University of Kentucky Football Player Suddenly Dies at 20: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
University of Kentucky Football Player Suddenly Dies at 20: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
Sean NeumannTue, June 9, 2026 at 3:59 PM UTC
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Nic SmithCredit: ukfootball/8dexter1/Instagram -
University of Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith has died, the university announced Monday
Smith, 20, was known as "Big Hap," or "Happy" by those close to him, the school said
Smith's mother pleaded with parents on social media to "hold your children tighter, kiss them, tell them you love them, check on them everyday" after her son's death Monday
The University of Kentucky said its school's football team is mourning after announcing the death of 20-year-old defensive lineman Nic Smith on Monday, June 8.
Smith, a sophomore, was reportedly found dead at his campus residence hall on Monday morning after authorities were called to his dorm around 10 a.m. local time, according to WSBT-TV. A cause of death was not released by the university on Monday.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved teammate Nic Smith," the university announced on social media later in the day. "We extend our thoughts and prayers to Nic's family, friends and the members of our program."
Nicknamed "Big Hap" — short for "Happy" — Smith was a three-star recruit out of Loganville, Ga., where he played football and basketball at Walnut Grove High School.
Nic SmithCredit: Nicholssmith66/X
After committing to play football at the University of Kentucky, Smith redshirted his first season, a commonality for freshman players looking to get another year of experience or if a school's roster is full.
The 6-foot, 5-inch, 290-lb. defensive lineman had six siblings and is survived by his parents Spencer and Kisha Smith and Genedra Smalls, according to the University of Kentucky.
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"Hold your children tighter, kiss them, tell them you love them, check on them everyday," Smalls wrote on Facebook on Monday, according to WSBT-TV. "Thank you for those who have reached out who heard the news thank you for your support and your prayers."
Nic Smith tackles Diego Pavia during a game on Nov. 22, 2025Credit: Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire/Getty
Smith was studying Community Leadership and Development and dreamed of starting a food business after achieving his dream of playing in the NFL, according to his bio. Smith's bio also says three words used to describe the defensive lineman would be "happy, friendly and nice."
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Kentucky head football coach Will Stein said in a statement Monday that his team's "hearts are broken" following the news of Smith's death, according to local ABC affiliate WHAS.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic's family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him," Stein's statement read, according to the outlet. "This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory."
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