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Minnesota's Smith Poised for Big Ten Defensive Dominance
29 Aug
Summary
- Anthony Smith is the predicted 2026 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
- He recorded 12.5 sacks and 21 solo tackles last season.
- Smith's stats were not inflated by easy wins against weak opponents.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, Minnesota Golden Gophers EDGE Anthony Smith has been named the predicted Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. This recognition follows a dominant performance last season, where Smith recorded 21 solo tackles and 12.5 sacks.
Smith's statistics were particularly noteworthy as they were not artificially inflated by large margins of victory against weaker opponents. While he secured sacks against non-Power Five teams, his overall disruptive presence on the field has drawn significant attention.
He is expected to lead a Minnesota team that finished 2025 with an 8-4 overall record and a 5-3 record in Big Ten play. His potential for another monster campaign is high as the team looks to build on its previous success.
