Former Georgia football defensive back Tykee Smith is expected to be a starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after training camp.
The Georgia Bulldogs had yet another impressive NFL draft class this offseason. One of the members was defensive back Tykee Smith who was drafted in the third round with the 89th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The season hasn’t even started but that selection is already looking to have paid off for the organization as Smith is expected to be a starter this season.
ESPN released an article detailing every major position battle for every NFL organization. For the Tampa Bay Bucs, the nickleback spot was the position listed and the major news outlet stated that Smith is projected to be the starter this season.
“With Ben Bredeson now virtually a lock at the left guard position with Sua Opeta’s ACL injury, the focus shifts to the starting nickelback competition. Third-round draft pick Tykee Smith has been lining up with the first-team defense and by all accounts should be the starter. But Tavierre Thomas has had three interceptions in six practices and they still have Christian Izien, the starter from last season.— Jenna Laine”
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Tampa Bay’s head coach Todd Bowles said part of what makes Smith so impressive is how ahead of schedule he is as far has maturation in the professional football league.
“He’s come in and picked everything up without missing a beat,” said Bowles. “He has the experience of a seven-or-eight year player, so it seems. He has some things to learn, but he plays so calm and so under control.”
Smith played a massive role for the Bulldogs in 2023 at the STAR position. He proved his versatile skillset to be a highly impactful one as he consistently made plays on the ball and behind the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis. In 2023, he finished with 70 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and four interceptions.
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The Georgia Bulldogs have added a former player to their defensive staff ahead of the 2026 college football season.
The 2026 offseason is in full swing as teams across the country iron out their rosters and ensure take they have a full coaching staff in place before the regular season begins. One team that has been diligently at work in assembling its coaching staff is the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Bulldog have had a plethora of additions and departures thus far, and have made another addition to their defensive staff. According to report, the Dawgs have added Maurce Smith as a defensive analyst ahead of the 2026 season.
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Smith’s name may ring a bell to Georgia has, as he was once a player for Kirby Smart. The defensive back began his career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but transferred to Georgia ahead of the 2016 season, following Smart’s hire by the University of Georgia.
Maurice Smith’s Playing Career With the Georgia Bulldogs
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Nov 26, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Clinton Lynch (22) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Maurice Smith (2) for a touchdown during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Smith was an extremely consistent player in the Bulldog backfield during the 2016 season and delivered an iconic pick-six in Georgia’s win over the top-10 ranked Auburn Tigers. Smith’s touchdown would help Smart secure his first-ever top ten win.
Since was an unofficial member of the Bulldogs’ staff during the 2025 season, but has now emerged into a fulltime member this offseason. His familiarity with Smart’s system and the Georgia Bulldogs could be a massive addition for the defense.
Kirby Smart has not shied away from leaning on former Bulldog players to assist with the current roster, and has hired multiple former players to coaching roles. Players such as Jarvis Jones, Warren Ericson, Mike Bobo, and others have immensely contributed to the Bulldogs’ success over the years.
It should also be noted that oftentimes, analysts on Georgia’s staff oftentimes land major coaching jobs within a short time. The most famous example of this is Florida Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
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While Smith’s addition may or may not result in his career advancement, his presence in Athens will almost certainly have a positive impact on the Bulldogs’ defense this upcoming season and the Dawgs will very likely have one of the country’s best defenses.
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Georgia will begin its 2026 college football season on Saturday, September 5th when they host Tennessee State for their season opener. A kickoff time and TV network for this matchup will be announced at a later date.
No. 6 Georgia defeated No. 10 Stanford (196.400), No. 20 Cal (196.8750) and Air Force (195.750) with a team score of 197.650 on Saturday at the Metroplex Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. This marks Georgia’s highest score on the road from Athens this season.
To close out the meet, the Bulldogs accomplished a season high on bars, with a score of 49.475. Leading the event for Georgia, seniorCsenge Bácskay and junior Lily Smith tied for first in the event, both scoring a 9.950. This win was not only her first for the season, but it also marked a new career high for Bácskay.
On the vault, sophomoreNyla Aquino and junior Ady Wahl split a four-way tie for the event title. Both Bulldogs achieved new season highs on the event with scores of 9.925.
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Smith, Georgia’s leader on the floor, scored a 9.975 for the event. This secured her seventh-floor title this season. Freshman Kelise Woolford improved to a new season best on the beam with a score of 9.950, winning the event title.
The Bulldogs will return to Stegeman Coliseum on Friday, Feb. 20, for a top-10 matchup, hosting No. 5-ranked Florida.
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – The No. 1 ranked Georgia equestrian team fell to fifth-ranked South Carolina, 16-3, at One Wood Farm in Blythewood, S.C.
Fast Facts
South Carolina defeated the Bulldogs 4-1 in the Horsemanship competition. Senior Alyvia Dixon earned the lone point for Georgia, riding to a new season high score of 76.75 and tallying her seventh win of the season.
The Gamecocks overtook the Bulldogs in Fences 4-1. Sophomore Ella Witt captured her point over South Carolina’s Amirah Kettaneh, 82-81.5. Tessa Downey added a score of 82.5, despite not earning the point.
Georgia secured one of the four points in Flat against South Carolina. Ella Duffy rode to a score of 80, overtaking Mary Hunter Millet’s score of 69. Kingsley Dey led the Flat scores with an 81.
South Carolina took the win in Reining 4-0. Kennedy Buchanan earned a score of 70 for her performance, pushing her point against Alexis Potts. Shelby Lynch rode to a 71, leading the Bulldogs’ scoring in the discipline.
