Wolf Pack Linebacker EJ Smith Earns All-America Honor
The Nevada standout is the only Mountain West player named to the AP Midseason Second Team.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football
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Nevada Wolf Pack linebacker EJ Smith has been named to the Associated Press Midseason All-America Second Team. Smith earned the honor after a standout start to the season in Reno, becoming the only Mountain West Conference player selected for the squad.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the defensive strength of the Wolf Pack during a season where they are looking to maintain momentum through a challenging schedule. Smith remains one of only three players from Group of 6 programs nationwide to receive this midseason distinction.
Smith has recorded 59 total tackles through six weeks, averaging 11.8 tackles and 6.2 solo tackles per game. He also contributed 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, with his final performance metrics for the year still to be determined.
The players
EJ Smith
He is a linebacker for the Nevada Wolf Pack who was named to the AP Midseason All-America Second Team.
Nevada Wolf Pack
This is the University of Nevada, Reno football team that competes in the Mountain West Conference.
The details
The Associated Press selected Smith for the midseason honor based on his performance in his first six games of the season. As a key defensive player for the Wolf Pack, he remains the only representative from the entire Mountain West Conference to make the AP lists. The team now turns its attention to an upcoming road game against North Dakota State in Fargo as they look to build on this recognition.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Announcement of the AP Midseason All-America Second Team.
October 17, 2026: Nevada plays North Dakota State in Fargo.
The Truckee Meadows View
This recognition follows the established tradition of the AP Midseason All-America teams to highlight top performers at the halfway point of the season. It marks a notable individual achievement for the program as it competes within the broader Mountain West Conference landscape.
Fans in Reno can watch Smith's performance as the Wolf Pack prepares to play North Dakota State in Fargo this Saturday. Supporters tracking team stats will see these defensive figures reflected in the upcoming game outcomes.
The takeaway
Smith’s selection puts a national spotlight on the Wolf Pack defense as the team heads into a tough road game. Watch the defensive line performance this Saturday in Fargo to see if Smith can maintain his current average of over 11 tackles per game.
Further reading
You can find more coverage of the team's progress this season on our Football page.
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Does the performance of your local college team influence your sense of community pride?
