Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball coach Mark Pope is enjoying the wins he is getting with recruitment recently in the offseason. But, he has taken the time to be in grief with a loss from his team’s football counterpart. On Monday, June 8, the Wildcats football team announced that defensive lineman Nic Smith had passed away due to an undisclosed reason.
Pouring in his support for the Wildcats football squad, Pope has since reposted the official announcement on his X/Twitter with a grieving message. The incoming third-year tactician shared that he is keeping the entire Kentucky football community and all those who were close to Smith in his thoughts and prayers.
“Keeping our Kentucky football family and all others that are grieving in our thoughts and prayers. Psalm 34:18,” Pope wrote.
– Mark Pope, June 8, 2026
As Pope and the whole Kentucky faithful looked on, Smith played his first year of college football this past season. Under the tutelage of coach Will Stein and his staff, Smith was a part of the 2025 roster that finished with an overall record of 5-7 (2-6 SEC). The Loganville, Georgia native was supposed to enter his sophomore season in the 2026 campaign, with plans of making the college football playoff.
Kentucky Wildcats football coach Will Stein released an emotional statement on Nic Smith’s passing
Through the official Kentucky Wildcats football website, the team’s head coach, Will Stein, released an emotional statement over the passing of Nic Smith. Stein asserted that the whole University of Kentucky adored the young talent, and that the school will unite as one to honor Smith for the impact he made.
“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,” Stein was quoted as saying.
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