Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith was an On3 Five-Star Plus+ recruit coming out of Bradenton (Florida) IMG Academy in the 2019 recruiting class. He ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Smith was the co-winner of the Bulldogs’ Defensive Newcomer of the Year award in 2019 after finishing with 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He started one of 10 games in 2020 – recording 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks – before breaking out in 2021, starting 14 games for the national champions. During the 2021 season, he racked up 56 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception. He also led the squad with three forced fumbles. Smith started the first eight games of the Bulldogs' 2022 title march before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral muscle. Smith majored in mathematics at Georgia.