WACO, Texas – Eastern Kentucky University's Mike Smith Jr. was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-American team as a First Team selection on Friday.
 
The EKU captain joins only three other first team, defensive back selections from the publication, while becoming the first defensive player to earn First Team All-American status under head coach Walt Wells as a Colonel.
 
The honor marks the second All-American accolade of this offseason for Smith who will next appear at the Hula Bowl All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 11.
 
Smith's selection comes after a 2024 campaign where he ended the season as a top-10 rated safety in all of Division I per Pro Football Focus with a rating of 89.9.
 
In 2024, Smith recorded four interceptions (tied for the most in the UAC), 63 total tackles, and six pass breakups while being a unanimous First Team All-UAC selection.
 
Smith also was only one of two UAC defenders selected to the publication's two teams alongside Central Arkansas' David Walker.