Kentucky football player Nic Smith dies at age 19
9 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:17 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
Kentucky Wildcats football player Nic Smith, known as "Happy," has died, as confirmed by the university. He was a redshirt freshman on the 2026 roster and originally from Augusta, Georgia, having redshirted the previous season. Kentucky football head coach Will Stein expressed grief, calling it a tremendous loss for both the program and the community. A statement from the university conveyed condolences to Smith's family, friends, and teammates.
- •Nic Smith was 19 years old at the time of his death.
- •He was slated to be a redshirt freshman for the 2026 season.
- •Smith redshirted last season and was from Augusta, Georgia.
- •Kentucky football head coach Will Stein commented on the significant loss.
- 10:22 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky football player Nic Smith dies unexpectedly. What we know
- 3:59 PMYahoo Sports — University of Kentucky Football Player Suddenly Dies at 20: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
- 10:17 AMYahoo Sports — Nic Smith: Georgia native, Kentucky football player dies at 20
- 11:05 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky football player Nic Smith dies at age 20
- 10:47 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky football player Nic Smith dies at age 20; police launch investigation
- 9:09 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky Football announces the passing of Nic Smith
- 8:55 PMCBS Sports — Kentucky DL Nic Smith dies at 20: Redshirt freshman was entering second season with program
- 8:48 PMYahoo Sports — Kentucky DL Nicholas 'Happy' Smith dies at 20 years old
"The University of Kentucky is mourning the sudden loss of one of its Wildcats. In a social media post on Monday, the UK Football program shared that sophomore Nic Smith had died. Smith, who is from Loganville, Ga., was a defensive lineman for the Wildcats.
"Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Nicholas "Happy" Smith died unexpectedly June 8 at 20 years old. What we know about the rising redshirt freshman:
"Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith died after university officials said police received a report a student was found dead in a residence hall.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 10:22 PMKentucky football player Nic Smith dies unexpectedly. What we know
Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Nicholas "Happy" Smith died unexpectedly June 8 at 20 years old. What we know about the rising redshirt freshman:
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 3:59 PMUniversity of Kentucky Football Player Suddenly Dies at 20: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
Nic Smith, 20, was known by his friends, family and teammates as "Happy" for his friendly personality
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 10:17 AMNic Smith: Georgia native, Kentucky football player dies at 20
The University of Kentucky athletic department confirmed defensive lineman Nic “Happy” Smith, who grew up in Loganville, died on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 11:05 PMKentucky football player Nic Smith dies at age 20
Kentucky Wildcats football player Nicholas "Happy" Smith has died, the school confirmed. The defensive lineman was a rising redshirt freshman.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 10:47 PMKentucky football player Nic Smith dies at age 20; police launch investigation
Kentucky defensive lineman Nic Smith died after university officials said police received a report a student was found dead in a residence hall.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 9:09 PMKentucky Football announces the passing of Nic Smith
Kentucky announces the tragic passing of defensive lineman Nic Smith on Monday.
- CBS SportsJun 8, 2026, 8:55 PMKentucky DL Nic Smith dies at 20: Redshirt freshman was entering second season with program
A native of Georgia, Smith redshirted at Kentucky last season as a true freshman
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 8:48 PMKentucky DL Nicholas 'Happy' Smith dies at 20 years old
Smith had redshirted his freshman year in 2025.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 8:35 PMUniversity of Kentucky football player Nic Smith dies
The University of Kentucky is mourning the sudden loss of one of its Wildcats. In a social media post on Monday, the UK Football program shared that sophomore Nic Smith had died. Smith, who is from Loganville, Ga., was a defensive lineman for the Wildcats.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 8:30 PMKentucky football redshirt freshman Nic Smith dies
Kentucky Wildcats football player Nicholas "Happy" Smith has died, the school confirmed. The defensive lineman was a rising redshirt freshman.
- On3.comJun 8, 2026, 8:27 PMKentucky Football player Nic Smith passes away - On3
Kentucky sophomore football player Nic Smith has passed away at the age of 20, the school announced.
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