Cincinnati Football’s Jeremiah Kelly Unexpectedly Dies At 18

The University of Cincinnati football team is currently in mourning after the unexpected death of offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly. The 18-year-old passed away Tuesday at his home.

Kelly, a freshman listed at 6’3″ and 320 pounds, was a participant in Cincinnati‘s spring practices.

“The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” stated head coach Scott Satterfield. “In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room. My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah.” (RELATED: Amateur Golf Legend Jay Sigel Dead At 81)

Kelly’s cause of death has not yet been determined.

“We’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss today,” Athletic Director John Cunningham said. “All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family, and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead.”

We are mourning the loss of @GoBearcatsFB freshman Jeremiah Kelly, who passed unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning.

Our hearts are with the Kelly family as well as Jeremiah’s friends and teammates.

📝: https://t.co/YcR8I6unek pic.twitter.com/VNjCUMdIs7

— Cincinnati Bearcats (@GoBEARCATS) April 22, 2025

A native of Ohio, Kelly was a member of the undefeated 16-0 Avon High School football team that won the 2024 state title. He joined the Bearcats as an early enrollee.

Cincinnati finished 5-7 in the 2024 campaign and went 3-6 in Big 12 conference action, not being bowl-eligible.