CONWAY, S.C. – Coastal Carolina University Athletics mourns the passing of former Chanticleer football student-athlete Matthew "Mo" Ashley, who passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 34.
Ashley was a five-year member of the Coastal Carolina football program from 2010–14 and was a key contributor along the Chanticleers' offensive line throughout his career. Known for his toughness, consistency, and leadership, Ashley appeared in 53 career games and started the final 37 games of his career. He was part of four Big South Conference championship teams for Coastal (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).
"Mo Ashley was a coach's dream," said former Coastal Carolina head coach David Bennett, who recruited and coached Ashley during his first year in the program. "The nicest, most polite young man off the field and played the game the way you're supposed to. He flipped the switch when he put on the gear. If there's football, fishing and hunting in Heaven, he's doing them all."
During his redshirt senior season in 2014, Ashley started all 14 games, helping anchor a veteran offensive line unit that allowed just six sacks that year (fifth best in FCS). His durability and reliability were hallmarks of his career, as he was one of just four Chanticleers to play in every game for Coastal Carolina from the start of the 2011 season through the conclusion of the 2014 campaign.
Ashley played an instrumental role in several of the most productive offensive seasons in program history. As a redshirt junior in 2013, he started all 15 games while helping the Chanticleers set 25 school records and 17 Big South Conference single-season offensive records. That season, Coastal Carolina led the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed (3.33 per game) and posted a school-record 652 yards of total offense in a victory at Elon. Ashley was also part of an offensive line unit that paved the way for All-American running back Lorenzo Taliaferro.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2012, Ashley started all 13 games at right guard as Coastal Carolina ranked 18th nationally in total offense and 13th in scoring offense. The Chanticleers also led the Big South in both passing offense and total offense while setting a program record for touchdowns scored in a season.
Ashley first saw action during the 2011 season, appearing in all 11 games as a reserve along the offensive line and on special teams after redshirting during the 2010 season.
"Mo was one of our leaders and the glue that kept our offensive line together," said former Coastal Carolina head coach Joe Moglia.
Ashley earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Coastal Carolina University. He was also recognized multiple times on the Big South Presidential Honor Roll and earned Dean's List honors in the spring of 2014.
Prior to Coastal Carolina, Ashley was a standout offensive lineman at Belton Honea Path High School in Honea Path, S.C. He was selected to represent South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl and was named the South Carolina Football Coaches Association Class AAA Upper State Lineman of the Year. He also earned Class AAA All-State honors and was recognized as the Anderson-area Scholastic Player of the Year.
The Coastal Carolina Athletics Department extends its deepest condolences to Ashley's family, friends, former teammates, and all who knew him during this difficult time.
