Walnut Grove Graduate and Kentucky Football Player Nic Smith Dies at 20

LOGANVILLE — The Walnut Grove and Loganville communities are mourning the heartbreaking loss of former Walnut Grove High School standout and University of Kentucky football player Nic Smith, who died Monday at the age of 20.

The University of Kentucky announced Smith’s death Monday afternoon after university police reportedly received a call shortly after 10 a.m. about a student found dead inside a residence hall on campus.

According to university officials, the University of Kentucky Police Department is investigating alongside the Lexington-Fayette County Coroner’s Office. Early findings reportedly do not indicate foul play.

Smith, known by friends and teammates as “Happy” and “Big Happ,” was a defensive lineman for the Kentucky Wildcats and had redshirted during the 2025 football season. He was preparing for his sophomore year with the program.

The Loganville native made a major impact both on and off the field during his time at Walnut Grove High School, where he played football and basketball. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing approximately 290 pounds, Smith developed into one of Georgia’s promising defensive line prospects and earned a three-star recruiting ranking in the Class of 2025.

During his senior season at Walnut Grove, Smith reportedly recorded 40 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, and 16 quarterback hurries, helping establish himself as one of the area’s standout defensive players.

His talent drew scholarship offers from multiple schools, including Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern, before ultimately committing to the University of Kentucky.

Kentucky head coach Will Stein released a statement following Smith’s passing.

“Today our hearts are broken,” Stein said. “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.”

Beyond football, Smith was remembered for his outgoing personality and positive attitude. According to his Kentucky athletics biography, he enjoyed cooking and baking and hoped to eventually start his own food business.

Smith was enrolled in Kentucky’s community leadership and development program within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

The tragic news quickly spread across social media Monday, with friends, former teammates, coaches, and community members sharing condolences and memories of the young athlete known throughout the Loganville area for both his athletic ability and friendly personality.

Counseling and support services are reportedly being made available to University of Kentucky students and athletes affected by the loss.

As the Walnut Grove and Loganville communities process the devastating news, many are remembering Nic Smith not only as a talented athlete, but as a young man whose personality earned him the nickname “Happy” everywhere he went.