Highly-touted 2026 offensive tackle Mitchell Smith recaps Thursday's camp experience at Mississippi State
On Thursday morning, Mississippi State welcomed another large group of underclassmen to campus for another Bulldog camp session. And among those top 2026 standouts was On3 three-star offensive lineman prospect Mitchell Smith.
The IMG (Fla.) Academy product was impressive during his 1 on 1 reps and it didn’t take long for Smith to display his power and footwork under the watchful eyes of State offensive line coach Cody Kennedy. Smith is rated as the nation’s No. 27 offensive tackle and the state’s No. 53 prospect by On3 rankings.
“I was up here two years ago and I had fun again today at camp,” Smith remarked. “I really like Coach Kennedy. He has a unique way of explaining things that I like a lot. He brings other sports into his teaching and I like that style. I like their new staff and I like everything about them.”
During his time with Kennedy in camp drills, Smith was able to pick up several helpful tips from Kennedy’s coaching. And he left campus feeling better about his showing and progress in the trenches.
“He taught us a lot of fundamentals,” added the 6-foot-4.5 and 325-pound Smith. “I was able to get my form down more with Coach Kennedy so that was something that helped me. It was a good learning and a good training experience.”
Smith’s trip to Starkville on Thursday was his first camp stop of the summer. He also has a pair of other SEC camp dates in the coming days.
“Mississippi State was my first camp but I have other camps,” Smith explained. “I have LSU camp on June 9th and then I am going to Alabama on June 15th.”
Smith is a Magnolia State native and he began his prep career at Picayune High School. Smith transferred to IMG Academy a few months ago and is eager for his first season there.
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“It’s been a good move to IMG Academy and I got there in January,” noted Smith. “I love the coaches and the head coach. I am excited for my first season there and it’s been good so far.”
On the recruiting trail, Smith has already compiled an impressive list of Power 5 offers. And he was quick to give the credit to God.
“So far I have offers from Ole Miss, Missouri, Mississippi State, Penn State, Arkansas, Stanford, UCF and Texas A&M and a couple of others,” Smith said. “I feel blessed and I just praise God every day. I thank God for giving me the abilities and it is not me at all. It is all God.”
With more offers expected in his future, Smith is not rushing his recruiting process nor narrowing down his list of favorites. In the early stages of his recruitment, he is wide open to any school.
“I am open to everyone,” Smith mentioned. “I am open to every school that is recruiting me. I will make my decision whenever God tells me to and He will let me know.”
