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UCLA defensive tackle Gary Smith III signs with the Las Vegas Raiders
TL;DR
UCLA defensive tackle Gary Smith III has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. He previously played five seasons in college football, including three with UCLA.
Key points
- Gary Smith III signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent.
- He played five seasons of college football, including three at UCLA.
- Smith recorded 40 tackles in his final season with UCLA.
Mentioned in this story
Gary Smith IIIFernando Mendoza
Las Vegas RaidersUCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins didnât have a single player taken in the 2026 NFL Draft but following the draft on Saturday defensive tackle Gary Smith III signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smith got an up close and personal look at his new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, during their college days. Mendoza, the draftâs No. 1 overall pick, picked apart Smith and the Bruin defense in a 56-6 drubbing this past season.
Smith wonât be worried about Mendoza however, as now heâll have to focus on earning a spot on an NFL roster, or even an NFL practice squad. The Raiders made 10 picks in this yearâs draft but they didnât focus too much on their interior defensive line, taking only Brandon Cleveland in the seventh round with the No. 229 overall pick.
Smith played five college seasons, spending his first two years with Duke before spending the next three with the Bruins in Westwood. The best statistical season in Smithâs college career came in 2023, when he posted 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for losses and 21 tackles in 10 games.
UCLA was without Smith for the entire 2024 season due to an injury. Smith came back this year and appeared in all 12 games for the Bruins. Smith recorded 40 tackles but had only 0.5 sacks and 1.5 TFL.
Even though his college numbers were modest, at 6â2â and 340 lbs, Smith has the mass to get an opportunity at the NFL level. Now itâs just a matter of Smith making the most of his chance in training camp this summer.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA's defensive lineman Gary Smith III signs with the Raiders
Q&A
Why did Gary Smith III go undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Gary Smith III went undrafted likely due to limited standout performances, as his best season included only 2.0 sacks and he missed the entire 2024 season due to injury.
What are Gary Smith III's college statistics?
In his best college season in 2023, Gary Smith III recorded 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 21 tackles over 10 games.
What does Gary Smith III need to do to make the Raiders' roster?
Gary Smith III needs to demonstrate his skills and consistency during training camp and preseason games to secure a spot on the Raiders' roster or practice squad.
