UNLV defensive lineman Ryan Keeler dies

UNLV defensive lineman Ryan Keeler died Monday, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Keeler appeared in seven games for the Rebels this past season, recording eight tackles and one sack. He played at Rutgers the year before in 2021.

“We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family,” first-year football coach Barry Odom said in a press release. “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.”

Keeler was a three-star recruit in the 2021 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He chose the Scarlet Knights over offers from Michigan, Wisconsin, Ole Miss and others.

“The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own,” athletic director Erick Harper said. “Our hearts go out to all of Ryan’s family and friends along with his Rebel teammates.”

Keeler was an academic All-Mountain West honoree, holding a 3.80 GPA in pre-business. He was named Rebel of the Week on Feb. 12 by Odom during the team’s offseason training program.

“Words are hard to come by this evening as we grieve the sudden and tragic loss of UNLV student-athlete Ryan Keeler,” UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield said. “My sincere condolences are with Ryan’s family, friends, loved ones and teammates during this very difficult time.”

UNLV finished 5-7 this past season, missing out on bowl action for the ninth consecutive year.