Cincinnati freshman OL Jeremiah Kelly dies unexpectedly

Field Level Media|published: Tue 22nd April, 12:57 2025

Avon defenders Caden Clapham, Merck Dunn and Jeremiah Kelly converge on Hoban tight end Tayte Crable after a reception during the Division II state semifinal, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

Cincinnati freshman offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly passed unexpectedly at his home early Tuesday morning.

No cause of death was released in separate announcements by the Big 12 Conference and University of Cincinnati confirming Kelly's death. He was an early enrollee working out at center during spring practice. Last season he helped Avon (Ohio) High School win the Division II state championship.

"The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man," head coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement. "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."

Kelly and the Avon Eagles were undefeated and won the program's first state championship last season. He was voted all-conference and all-district in addition to being voted the top offensive lineman in the Southwestern Conference. The 6-3, 320-pound lineman also played defensive line at Avon but was working on the offensive line for the Bearcats.

"We've suffered a heartbreaking loss today," Cincinnati AD John Cunningham said in a statement. "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."

--Field Level Media