The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to grab a name SMU fans know all too well—and now, the NFL is about to find out why Brashard Smith is ready to make noise on Sundays.
For Brashard Smith, the road from Miami to Dallas to Kansas City wasn’t always smooth, but it’s finally paid off. The former SMU running back was selected by the perennial Super Bowl contenders Chiefs with the No. 228 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
A Breakout Year That Put Smith on the Map
After transferring from Miami, Smith wasted no time making an impact on the Hilltop. In 2024, he erupted for 1,332 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry while adding 327 yards and 4 more scores as a receiver. His performance earned him First Team All-ACC honors and caught the attention of scouts across the league. For SMU fans, it was the kind of season that puts a player in school lore.
Southern Methodist Mustangs running back Brashard Smith (1) carries the ball during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Speed That Pops on Film—and the Stopwatch
Smith blazed a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, immediately making him one of the fastest backs in the draft. Combine that speed with his route-running background as a converted wide receiver, and it’s easy to see why Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was intrigued. His ability to create mismatches out of the backfield could be a perfect fit in Kansas City’s offense.
A Golden Opportunity in Kansas City
The Chiefs’ running back room is wide open. Between aging veterans and injury concerns, Kansas City is in need of fresh legs and playmaking juice. With Patrick Mahomes under center and national TV exposure almost weekly, Smith could quickly go from late-round pick to primetime contributor. His versatility and explosiveness make him more than just a depth piece—he’s a potential weapon.
SMU Fans, Keep Watching
Mustang Nation saw it first—Brashard Smith has game-changing ability. Now, the NFL world gets its turn. Don’t be surprised if you see No. 34 flashing across your screen in red and gold this fall.
One season at SMU was all it took. Now Brashard Smith’s next chapter begins in the NFL spotlight.
