RICHMOND, Ky. – Sophomore linebacker Kaden Smith earned Eastern Kentucky University's first United Athletic Conference Player of the Week honor of the 2025 season on Monday after earning Defensive Player of the Week honors as announced by the league office.
 
Smith earns the honor for the first time in his career after providing the game-winning touchdown with a 16-yard pick-six in EKU's 27-7 win over Nicholls on Saturday night.
 
In the win, the Campbellsville, Ky. native recorded 8 total tackles to go with the interception as EKU kept Nicholls scoreless after the first drive of the game.
 
The "Maroon Doom" defense as a whole caused three turnovers (2 INTs, 1 FR) along with forcing three turnovers on down.
 
The Colonels are off this week, but return to action at home on October 11 against rival Austin Peay at 6 p.m.