Uphoff was a member of the Illinois State Redbirds for four seasons, redshirting his true first year.[2] He was named honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference as a redshirt sophomore after breaking up seven passes with one interception.[3] Although he originally announced that he would play redshirt senior season, which was to be played in the spring due to COVID-19, Uphoff later decided to opt out and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.[4][5]