Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on Figure 8, you know the vibe. It’s all boat shoes, polo shirts, and a massive side of entitlement. But while Rafe Cameron is out here losing his mind and Topper is busy being the world’s most obsessed ex-boyfriend, there’s one guy who’s always just... there.
Kelce from Outer Banks.
He’s the ultimate Kook. Not because he’s the richest or the meanest, but because he is the king of the "yes-men." Played by Deion Smith, Kelce has been a fixture since Season 1, usually seen flanking the more "main character" Kooks and adding fuel to whatever fire they’re starting.
Kelce from Outer Banks: More Than Just a Sidekick?
Most fans view Kelce as a human accessory for Rafe and Topper. He’s the guy who provides the backup when a Pogue needs a beatdown. But if you look closer, his role is actually pretty vital to the show’s ecosystem.
He represents the peer pressure of the 1%.
Think about it. In Season 2, when John B is on the run for a murder he didn't commit, Kelce isn't just a passive observer. He’s the one actively taunting the Pogues. He’s the one reinforcing the narrative that the "dirty Pogues" are the problem, even when the evidence starts pointing toward his own friends. He’s basically the social glue that keeps the Kook mentality alive when guys like Topper start to catch feelings or show a shred of empathy.
Who is Deion Smith?
The actor behind the character is actually a lot more interesting than the guy he plays. Deion Smith is a South Carolina native—born in North Charleston—which gives him some authentic Lowcountry DNA.
- Real Name: Deion Smith
- Birthplace: North Charleston, SC
- Other Projects: Will Trent, Queen of the South, and Them.
He’s talked in interviews about how he grew up right near where the show is filmed. That’s kinda wild when you think about it. He’s playing this elitist kid in a world he actually knows from the inside out, though hopefully, he's way nicer in real life than Kelce is on screen.
Why Fans Actually Can't Stand Him
If you scroll through any OBX subreddit or TikTok comment section, the vitriol for Kelce is real. It’s almost impressive.
Why? Because he’s a follower.
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There’s something uniquely annoying about a character who doesn't have their own agenda but gleefully helps others do their dirty work. Fans often point to the scene where he makes "sex sounds" to taunt Topper after a breakup as a peak "Kelce being a jerk" moment. It wasn't even about the Pogues then; he was just being a bad friend to his own crew.
And let’s not forget his undying loyalty to the Cameron family lies. Even after Ward was outed, Kelce was still on that "John B is a murderer" train. It's that specific brand of Kook delusion that makes people want to reach through the screen.
The Theory of the "Lost" Pogue
There’s this fascinating fan theory floating around that Kelce might have actually started as a Pogue. Some viewers think his over-the-top "Kookiness" is a defense mechanism. He tries so hard to fit into the Figure 8 crowd because he’s terrified of being cast out.
Is there proof? Not really. But it would explain why he’s often the loudest person in the room when it comes to hating on JJ or Pope. He’s overcompensating.
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What Happened to Kelce in Season 4?
By the time we hit the later seasons, the stakes in Outer Banks shifted from "high school rivalry" to "international treasure hunt/murder mystery."
Kelce stayed behind.
While the Pogues were off in El Dorado or dealing with Blackbeard’s treasure, Kelce remained the face of the "stay-at-home" Kooks. In Season 4, we see him still hanging with Topper and new characters like Ruthie. He’s become a symbol of the life the Pogues left behind—and the life Sarah Cameron escaped.
He’s still the guy at the country club. Still wearing the pastel shirts. Still bitter that the world is changing around him.
Actionable Insights for OBX Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Figure 8 and the actors who bring it to life, here is how to stay updated:
- Follow the Cast: Deion Smith is fairly active on Instagram (@thedeionsmith). He often shares behind-the-scenes looks that show a much more chill side of the "Kook" lifestyle.
- Rewatch for the "Glue" Moments: Next time you do a Season 1-3 binge, watch Kelce specifically in the background of the Boneyard scenes. He’s often the one starting the chants or whispering in Topper’s ear. It changes how you see the group dynamics.
- Check Out "Will Trent": If you want to see Deion’s range outside of the OBX bubble, his work in Will Trent shows he’s got way more acting chops than "arrogant rich kid" allows for.
Kelce might not be the one finding the gold, but Outer Banks wouldn't feel the same without him. He is the constant reminder that no matter how far the Pogues go, the elitism of Figure 8 is always waiting for them back home.