Cincinnati Freshman Football Player Jeremiah Kelly Dies at 18

• Apr 22, 2025

Jeremiah Kelly, an 18-year-old freshman football player at the University of Cincinnati, died unexpectedly at his home early Tuesday morning, according to an announcement from the school’s athletic department.

The university did not release details about the cause of death, and the Cincinnati Police Department has not responded to requests for further information.

Kelly, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound offensive lineman from Avon, Ohio, had recently joined the Bearcats as an early enrollee. He had already started spring practice with the team, though ESPN reported that spring training had concluded the previous week.

“The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” said 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.”

Before joining the University of Cincinnati, Kelly was a standout player at Avon High School. He played a key role in leading his team to a perfect 16-0 season and the Ohio state championship title in 2024. His impressive performance earned him the title of Southwestern Conference Lineman of the Year. Additionally, The Plain Dealer, a Cleveland-based newspaper, ranked him among Northern Ohio's Top 25 football prospects.

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

The sudden passing of such a young and promising athlete has left the university community in shock. Kelly’s death is not only a loss to the Bearcats football program but also to those who knew him as a teammate, friend, and student. The university has pledged to provide support to his family and teammates as they cope with the tragedy.