Tykee Smith


Tykee Quideir Smith is an American professional football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers and Georgia Bulldogs.

Early life

Smith attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A three-star recruit, Smith committed to play college football at West Virginia University.

College career

West Virginia

As a true freshman in 2019, Smith recorded 53 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions. As a result, he was named to the Freshman All-American team. The following year, Smith tallied 61 tackles and two interceptions, while being named an 2020 [College Football All-America Team|All-American]. On March 24, 2021, Smith announced his decision to enter the transfer portal.

Georgia

On April 4, 2021, Smith announced his decision to transfer to the University of Georgia. During his first year at Georgia, Smith played sparingly due to a knee injury. Against Missouri the following season, he made key plays late in the game to help secure a 26–22 victory. During the game, Smith contributed three tackles and a pass deflection. He finished the season with 29 tackles and two sacks. During the 2023 season opener against UT Martin, Smith tallied six tackles before exiting the game with a knee injury. He returned the following week against Ball State, recording an interception. Smith tallied interceptions in three consecutive games after having interceptions against both South Carolina and UAB the following weeks. He finished the season with 70 total tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Professional career

Smith was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Personal life

Smith is a Muslim.