Brandon Smith

Brandon Nathaniel Smith (born April 12, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Early life Smith attended Louisa County High School in Louisa, Virginia. As a senior in 2018, he was named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Virginia. He appeared in the 2019 Under Armour All-America Game. Smith committed to Penn State University to play college football.

College career As a true freshman at Penn State in 2019, Smith appeared in 13 games and had 13 tackles. As a sophomore in 2020, he started all nine games, recording 37 tackles, two sacks and one interception. Smith returned as a starter his junior season in 2021.

Professional career

Carolina Panthers Smith was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. He was waived on August 29, 2023.

Philadelphia Eagles On October 12, 2023, Smith was signed to the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 18, 2024.

Smith was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on September 10.

New York Jets On September 24, 2024, Smith was signed to the New York Jets practice squad. He was released on October 2.

Las Vegas Raiders On December 4, 2024, Smith was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Las Vegas on January 6, 2025. On May 12, Smith was waived by the Raiders.

DC Defenders On October 9, 2025, Smith signed with the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He was allocated to the DC Defenders on January 12.