Arian Smith passes on final year of eligibility, will enter NFL Draft
A day after accepting an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Georgia receiver Arian Smith has officially made his intentions of entering the 2025 NFL Draft clear. The fifth-year, who had one year of eligibility remaining, took to social media with a message.
“As I reflect on my time at UGA, I would like to start by thanking God for blessing me with talent, opportunities, and health so that I can play the game I love,” Smith said. “I want to thank my family and friends for their endless support and love through the highs and lows. Thank you for being my foundation and motivation. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made to allow me to pursue my dreams. To ail of my coaches, Sports Med, Equipment, and Nutrition staff, thank you for believing in me and challenging me to become the best version of myself possible, both on and off the field. To all of my teammates, we are brothers for life. Thank you for the countless memories and bonds that will last a lifetime. To Dawg Nation, thank you for making game days an unforgettable experience, always showing up early and loud! With that being said, I will officially be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.”
Smith finished the 2024 season as Georgia’s leading receiver in terms of yards, becoming the first Bulldog receiver in the Kirby Smart era to top the 800 yard mark. Hauling in 48 passes (second on the team), the Lakeland, Fla. native totaled 817 yards and four touchdowns.
It’s not the first season that Smith has had an impact either. He caught at least one touchdown pass each season since 2020, totaling 68 receptions for 1,356 yards and 10 touchdowns on his career. His 76-yard score in the 2022 Peach Bowl win over Ohio State helped spark a fourth-quarter comeback for Georgia and kept the Bulldogs’ chances of going back-to-back alive. He had at least one catch of over 50 yards each season while in Athens, however, the highlight reel 76-yarder remains his longest.
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Smith also proved to be an impact player for Georgia on special teams. It’s the type of thing, combined with his speed, he knows can give him a good chance of being drafted and making an NFL roster.
Smith joins quarterback Carson Beck, offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, defensive lineman Mykel Williams, linebacker Jalon Walker and safety Malaki Starks in announcing a declaration. Those out of eligibility and in the draft pool already include wide receiver Dominic Lovett, tight end Ben Yurosek, offensive lineman Xavier Truss, defensive lineman Warren Brinson, defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse, linebacker Smael Mondon and safety Dan Jackson.
