CINCINNATI (BCSNN) — The University of Cincinnati, its football program, and the Bearcats community is mourning the loss of freshman offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly, who died unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning. The university announced the news in a statement, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of the 18-year-old Avon, Ohio, native. No cause of death has been disclosed.

“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.”

Kelly, a three-star recruit, was an early enrollee at Cincinnati and had been practicing with the team during the spring semester. A standout at Avon High School, Kelly helped lead his team to a perfect 16-0 record and its first-ever state championship in 2024. He earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors and was named the Southwestern Conference Lineman of the Year.

Director of Athletics John Cunningham echoed the sentiments of loss, stating, “We’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss today. 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.”