Player Spotlight: ’26 RB Caleb Smith
Caleb Smith Caleb Smith 5'10" | 155 lbs | ATH Allen | 2026 State TX , an 8th grader at Ford Middle School in Allen, Texas has already put together a decorative youth career. He’s a three-time AAU Region 18 Champion and a four-time Junior Olympic All-American in track and now a 2026 Under Armor Football Next All American.
“I’m blessed to have been invited to this game and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Smith. “I’m looking forward to competing against some of the best youth players in the country.”
The 5-foot-9, 140-pound prospect excels at both running back and defensive back and has easily been the best player on the field during his two games this season. The track star, who clocked an 11.1 100-meter this summer, showcases speed and vision on the football field.
Through five games (as of this posting) so far this season Smith is averaging 22.7 yards per carry as he’s rushed the ball 45 times for 1,024 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s also been a threat on special teams and in the passing game as he has one punt return for a touchdown and has thrown for two scores.
His season has already caught the attention of college coaches as Utah became the first college program to offer the rising star.
“I’m very blessed for the opportunity and I can’t thank Coach Kiel McDonald and his staff enough for believing in me,” said Smith. “I hope this will be the first of many but I’m going to keep working hard and keep working to improve.”
The rising 8th grader tries to model his game after both Saquon Barkley and Jalen Ramsey — two of the best young players in the NFL.
“I think my best traits on the field are my vision and speed like Saqon,” said Smith. “I also feel my defensive game lines up with Jalen Ramsey as my ability to cover on the field and my hands have helped me shut down opposing players.”
His abilities and dominance have already caught the attention of college programs as he’s had a number of schools already contact him.
“So far I’ve heard from coaches at TCU, Utah and USC,” said Smith. “I’d love to hear from Ohio State because they have an amazing coaching staff and do a good job developing their players and getting them to the next level.”
As Smith finishes his youth career he’s got lofty goals for the next four years where he hopes to earn multiple offers while helping his high school team win state gold.
“I want to make the varsity team as a freshman,” he said. “I want to help my team win a State Championship by picking off 5 to 10 passes and also scoring 5 to 10 touchdowns.
“By the time I graduate high school I hope to amass more than 35 Division 1 scholarships and become a high school Under Armor All American.”