After overcoming years of injury setbacks, the veteran linebacker is primed to seize a vacant starting role and contribute in a defense chasing a National Championship.
MIAMI, Fla. – Several Miami Hurricanes defensive players will take on expanded roles for the upcoming 2026 college football season. Whether it’s edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot or defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald, breakout production is nearly bound. However, the linebacker situation should gather more attention.
Mohamed Toure is the most prolific among the position – an eight-year college football veteran. However, Chase Smith is another linebacker and an untraditional senior. The Palm Bay native was granted another year of NCAA eligibility and will play a sixth collegiate season.
Smith’s Hurricanes tenure is similar to Toure’s overall career – held back by injuries but coming back stronger. Following a 10-game freshman campaign, he would be severely limited over the next couple of years. Smith played eight games in the 2022 and 2023 seasons combined.
As a redshirt junior, the linebacker returned to the Coral Gables program and came in full strength. He appeared in all 13 games, logging 13 total tackles, six solos and seven assists, a tackle for loss, and a pass broken up. The following year, Smith remained healthy and made another jump in production. As a redshirt senior, he appeared in all 16 games and finished with 31 total tackles, 15 solos and 16 assists, and two passes broken up.
Smith has successfully overcome adversity and is looking to deliver more. He played a big role in the Hurricanes’ fifth-best FBS-ranked scoring defense from last season. The 23-year-old will have an opportunity to keep the momentum rolling, but in a starting role.
Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe left the program after a four-year tenure for the NFL Draft and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent. He was the primary starter next to Toure. Smith is the clear frontrunner to fill the void and secure a promotion. He has yet to start in a college football game.
Playing extra snaps and having familiarity with Corey Hetherman’s schemes will allow the sixth-year veteran to thrive.
Smith participated in spring practice and the exhibition game at Cobb Stadium, but was limited, likely for precaution. He will be set for fall camp as it approaches.
There are National Championship aspirations surrounding the Hurricanes ahead of the regular season. If the program looks to return to the big stage, the defense can’t afford any setbacks. Smith’s surge will be critical, along with everyone else clicking on all cylinders.
A big year is aligned for the Hurricanes and the Bayside High School graduate.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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