Texas A&M running back EJ Smith - the son of NFL legend Emmitt Smith - is headed to the pros.
The Texas A&M Aggies turn toward the offseason following their crushing loss in the College Football Playoffs to Miami, and in doing so, begin to turn to what's next as players announce their future plans.
The latest comes in running back EJ Smith - son of the NFL's all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith - following in his father's footsteps by taking his talents to the professional level and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith played six seasons of college football, with the last two in College Station after four years at Stanford. The Aggies star ends his collegiate career with 969 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He added 470 yards receiving and one touchdown catch.
With the Cardinal, EJ played in just 24 games and posted 557 yards on 109 carries with six total touchdowns.
Smith's highest-scoring season came this year for the Aggies, where he specialized as a powerful short-yardage machine with 205 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
"Ive been fortunate to play this game at two incredible universities, each of which played an important role in my development," EJ wrote in a statement. My four years at Stanford shaped me both academically and athletically, and I'll always be grateful for the foundation I built there.
"My time at Texas A&M continued to teach me perseverance, resilience, and pushed me to be challenged in many ways."
Emmitt Sr. spent the minimum three years in college at Florida before entering the 1990 NFL Draft. He posted 3,928 career rushing yards, including 1,341 as a freshman and 1,599 as a junior - twice earning him a top-10 finish in Heisman Trophy voting and an All-American nod in his final season with the Gators.
Smith Sr. was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys at No. 17 overall in the first round and would go on to have a Pro Football Hall of Fame career, setting the NFL record with 18,355 career rushing yards.
His son - who dons Smith IV on the back of his jersey - was born in 2002, which was his father's last of 13 seasons in Dallas that included three Super Bowl titles alongside Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. He would retire two years later after a short stint with the Arizona Cardinals.
Said EJ to conclude his announcement: "I feel blessed to have grown alongside this game and thankful for every opportunity it has given me. I'm excited to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and continue my football journey at the next level."
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