Kragthorpe redshirted as a true freshman at Idaho State in 2011.[5] He got to play in the team's spring game, known as the "Dave Kragthorpe Classic" in honor of his grandfather, in 2012, completing 12-of-17 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.[6] Prior to the 2012 season, he transferred to as a walk-on to the LSU Tigers where his father was coaching, sitting out the year due to then-current NCAA transfer rules.[1][7] He was a backup quarterback and the team's backup holder during the 2013 season, seeing no playing time.[1] He then served as the starting holder in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, gaining notice for a fake field goal where he lateraled for an 18-yard touchdown.[8] Kragthorpe played in 25 games in his collegiate career and graduated with a business degree; his only time at quarterback came in a 2014 game when he completed his only pass for an 11-yard touchdown.[1]
In 2018, Kragthorpe then served as an offensive analyst for his alma mater, LSU.[8]
Cincinnati Bengals
In 2019, Kragthorpe was hired by the Cincinnati Bengals as an offensive assistant under head coach Zac Taylor.[10] Kragthorpe served two years in the position before being promoted to assistant wide receivers coach in 2021; two seasons later, he became the assistant quarterbacks coach.[8] He was the quarterbacks coach at the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl.[11]
On February 8, 2024, Kragthorpe was promoted to quarterbacks coach.[12]