UCF's Smith Duo Taken in Late Rounds of MLB Draft

With the conclusion of the 2026 MLB Draft, three UCF Knights realized their dreams of being drafted, with standout outfielder Andrew Williamson becoming the highest drafted player in program history since 2004.

However, two more Knights joined Williamson in the late stages of the draft, with starting pitcher Braden Smith being taken by the Baltimore Orioles and outfielder John Smith III landing with the New York Mets.

Smith, who was UCF's top arm this past season, was taken in the fifteenth round, with Smith III coming off the board in the nineteenth.

Last season, Smith was placed National Pitcher of the Year Watchlist by the College Baseball Hall of Fame, pitching at least four innings in his first four starts and putting together quality outings.

Injury cut Smith's junior year short, but he still recorded good numbers, striking out 23 batters and walking just nine.

In UCF's season-opening 16-0 win over Siena, Smith went six innings, striking out five batters.

This performance vaulted Smith to the top of the rotation, keeping him as the Knights' day one starter for the majority of the season.

Smith III, on the other hand, was one of UCF's top hitters, forming a dangerous outfield 1-2 punch alongside Williamson.

En route to Second Team All-Big 12 honors, Smith III played 49 games and made 47 starts, holding down the left field position.

Smith III slashed .322/.383/.574, leading the squad in runs batted in with 49.

According to UCF Athletics, Smith III tallied 65 total hits, 13 doubles, 12 home runs, 1 triple and 40 runs scored.

Smith III had multiple huge days against Big 12 competition, including a 4-for-5 day on May 10 vs. Baylor.

Smith III lit up the Bears with a double, a home run, two runs scored and two RBIs, singlehandedly sparking the Knights' offense.

Weeks earlier, Smith had a big day in a doubleheader against Utah, going 7-for-11 across the two-game slate.

Smith III homered three times, had seven RBIs and scored five runs, once again doing it all offensively for UCF.

Trailing only Williamson, Smith III posted great defensive metrics throughout the season as well, registering a .971 fielding percentage with 101 putouts and one outfield assist.

Now, at the next level, Smith III will join UCF alumni Antonio Jimenez, who was picked in the third round by the New York Mets last year.

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