The University of Kentucky is mourning the loss of one of its football players.The program announced on Monday that Nic “Happy” Smith died.UK released a statement on Smith’s passing:”Our community has suffered a tragic loss with the death of one of our students, Nic Smith. Nic was a sophomore in the Community Leadership and Development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and one of our student-athletes on the UK Football team.”We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. We ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.”We want to remind members of our community that you do not have to navigate this loss alone, and that support resources are available through the Office for Student Success.”Head coach Will Stein also released a statement mourning the loss of Smith:“Today our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him. This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.”A cause of death has not been released.Smith, who was from Loganville, Georgia, was heading into his sophomore season with the Wildcats. He redshirted his freshman year in 2025. His profile on UK football’s athletic page said his nickname was “Big Happ” and his dream was to start a food business after the NFL.
The University of Kentucky is mourning the loss of one of its football players.
The program announced on Monday that Nic “Happy” Smith died.
UK released a statement on Smith’s passing:
“Our community has suffered a tragic loss with the death of one of our students, Nic Smith. Nic was a sophomore in the Community Leadership and Development program in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and one of our student-athletes on the UK Football team.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. We ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.
“We want to remind members of our community that you do not have to navigate this loss alone, and that support resources are available through the Office for Student Success.”
Head coach Will Stein also released a statement mourning the loss of Smith:
“Today our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nic’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him. This is a tremendous loss for our program and university community. We will continue to support one another and honor his memory.”
A cause of death has not been released.
Smith, who was from Loganville, Georgia, was heading into his sophomore season with the Wildcats. He redshirted his freshman year in 2025.
His profile on UK football’s athletic page said his nickname was “Big Happ” and his dream was to start a food business after the NFL.