As we inch closer to the 2026 college football season, with media days just around the corner, it's an exciting time for Auburn Tigers fans and the entire college football community. Amidst the anticipation, Auburn Undercover has embarked on its annual countdown, ranking the top 25 most valuable players for the upcoming season. This year, the spotlight falls on No. 9, edge rusher Jared Smith, a player with immense potential and a crucial role to fill.
Jared Smith's journey to Auburn began in Alabaster, Alabama, where his athletic prowess caught the eye of college recruiters. Standing at a towering 6'6" as a senior in high school, Smith's potential was undeniable. After a fierce recruitment battle, Auburn emerged victorious, securing his commitment over South Carolina and USC. From there, Smith's college career began, and it's been an intriguing ride.
As a true freshman, Smith made his presence felt, albeit in limited snaps. He appeared in every game, and when he did step onto the field, his impact was often explosive. With just five tackles on the season, four of them were tackles for loss, and he even managed to sack the quarterback twice. One of his most critical plays came against South Alabama, where he forced a fumble in the Tigers' red zone, a moment that showcased his potential.
Despite these highlights, Smith's playing time was relatively minimal, often serving as a backup to Chris Murray. However, the coaching staff's faith in him remained strong, especially after the retention of DJ Durkin as coordinator. The departure of Keyron Crawford to the NFL left a void on the edge, and Smith was seen as the natural successor, a role he embraced during spring ball.
Spring practice saw Smith shine, consistently making plays and earning the defensive MVP title at A-Day. His improved practice habits and off-the-field development were evident, and he started to build a solid rapport with Durkin. Now, as we look ahead to the 2026 season, the expectations for Smith are sky-high. He's projected to not only start but also make a significant impact on the defense.
The comparison to defensive tackles Darrion Smith and Malik Autry is an interesting one. Like Jared Smith, they were 2025 signees who have now been handed increased snaps. However, Jared Smith's role as a pass rusher is unique and crucial. He, along with defensive end Da'Shawn Womack, has the daunting task of filling the shoes of Keldric Faulk and Crawford, who formed a formidable pass-rushing duo in the SEC last season.
Smith's inclusion in the top 10 is well-deserved, and his stock has undoubtedly risen since the spring. The challenge now is to translate that success into his sophomore season. With Auburn lacking proven game-wreckers on the interior, the onus falls on the linebackers and, by extension, the pass rushers to step up. Smith's ability to consistently make plays and earn the trust of Durkin will be pivotal in the Tigers' success this fall.
In his own words, Smith has identified consistency and leadership as his biggest areas of growth this offseason. He understands the importance of being a leader every day, not just when he feels like it. This mindset shift is a positive sign, indicating his maturity and dedication to the team.
As we eagerly await the start of the 2026 season, Jared Smith's development and impact will be a fascinating storyline to follow. With his athletic potential and improved mindset, he has the tools to become a game-changer for the Auburn Tigers. Personally, I think Smith has all the ingredients to become a dominant force on the edge, and I'm excited to see how he performs under the bright lights of college football.
