RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University's Payton Collins and Mike Smith Jr. were named to FCS Football Central's All-American Teams as third team members as announced by the publication on Thursday.
 
The All-American honor is the second selection for Collins in 2024 previously earning First Team honors by Stats Perform earlier this week.
 
A preseason All-UAC and All-American selection at left tackle, Collins anchored the Colonels' offensive line for the sixth straight season finishing his career with 56 career starts for EKU including all 13 in 2024 as EKU went 8-4 in the regular season finishing in the FCS Playoffs.
 
The Columbus, Ohio native's selection as the offensive lineman of the year is the second of Collins' career, having earned the honor in 2022 when EKU competed in the ASUN Conference.
 
Collins helped pave the way for EKU's rushing attack that posted 2,422 rushing yards, the third most in the conference, and 4,522 yards of total offense and 36 total touchdowns.
 
Smith's All-American selection is the first of his career and come following a stellar final season in Maroon & White.
 
In 2024, Smith led the Colonel defense as a captain allowing only 23.7 points per game en route to the FCS Playoffs with an 8-4 regular season record.
 
The Jacksonville, Fla. native posted four interceptions (tied for the most in the UAC), 63 total tackles, and six pass breakups as a safety.
 
Smith's interceptions were also timely with his ones against Tarleton State and North Alabama coming in the final seconds of regulation to seal wins for the Colonels.
 
A unanimous First Team All-UAC selection earlier this offseason, Smith's stellar performance throughout the season saw him rank as the 10th highest-rated safety in all of Division I football, FCS or FBS by Pro Football Focus with a grade of 87.8.
 
Both Smith and Collins will participate in the Hula Bowl All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 11.