UNLV Defensive Lineman Ryan Keeler Dead: REPORT

UNLV defensive lineman Ryan Keeler passed away Monday, sources around the program confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. No cause of death has been cited.

Rebels head coach Barry Odom released a statement on the 20-year-old's death.

"We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family," Odom said. "While I had the honor of knowing Ryan for only a couple of months, he already stood out to our coaching staff as an incredible person, student and teammate. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ryan's family as we grieve along with them over this tremendous loss."

Rebels running back Aidan Robbins relayed the tragic news via his Instagram Stories late Monday.

Robbins posted two photos of Keeler, with one caption reading, "God rest your beautiful soul ... love you for life boy."

Keeler previously played at Rutgers before entering the transfer portal April 30, 2022, and joining the Rebels. The 6-foot-6, 275 lb. sophomore played in recorded eight tackles and one sack in two games last season.

Now-fired Rebels head coach Marcus Arroyo touted Keeler's versatility and effort throughout training camps.

“We’re getting a chance to see some guys,” Arroyo said, via the Review-Journal. “It’s not what you’d like to do, obviously, in a situation where you have all your guys rolling, but it was good to see Ryan get in there and mix it up.”

Stay tuned with OutKick as more details follow.

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Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick - living in Southern California.

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