The Georgia Southern community -- football and beyond -- as well as the Georgia high school athletics family are mourning the passing of Tay McKibbins.
An 18-year-old Atlanta native, McKibbins had inked as part of Georgia Southern's 2025 recruiting class under Clay Helton, graduated high school early and enrolled in the school in January.
The Golden Eagles had just opened spring camp this week.
Helton issued a statement on the passing of McKibbins, a 6-foot-4-inch, 320-pounder who had fielded scholarship offers during his prep career at Cass High School from Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina and Western Kentucky, among several other programs.
He died from an unspecified form of cancer.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and teammate, Tay McKibbins," Helton said in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Tay lost his battle with cancer this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with his family in Atlanta.
"He was taken away from us far too young, but his memory will always be etched on our hearts. He is forever an Eagle. Love you, Tay!"
Georgia Southern also announced that it has established a GoFundMe to assist the family of McKibbins with medical and funeral costs.
A GoFundMe has been started in Tay’s honor to aid his family in medical and funeral expenses. To donate, visit https://t.co/Xbbwir6sbo.
— Georgia Southern Football (@GSAthletics_FB) March 6, 2025