Yannick Smith
SMU·6-2·208 lbScouting Report
A big, contested-catch boundary receiver.
The case for
- Prototype boundary frame at 6-2, 208 with the size and wingspan CBS Sports says gets more important in the NFL
- Efficient footwork at the top of routes, per Mike Renner
- Reliable finisher on contested throws, a clear calling card in ScoutingGrade's report
The worry
- Not a standout athlete on tape, per CBS Sports
- Limited yards after the catch, so few easy yards once the ball arrives
- Needs more release answers against press so key targets do not become contested
Full report
Yannick Smith is a 6-2, 208-pound boundary receiver who transferred from East Carolina to SMU for the 2026 season after a 44-catch, 583-yard, five-touchdown year with the Pirates. CBS Sports' Mike Renner calls his game translatable rather than flashy: Smith will not jump off the tape as an athlete, but he has the size and wingspan that matter more at the next level and efficient footwork at the top of his routes. Renner named him the top non-Power Four receiver in the 2027 class and believes he will play on Sundays, though he does not expect a massive rise up boards. ScoutingGrade's report builds his case around the catch point, noting that he finished a high share of his contested targets in 2025 and that quarterbacks got strong results throwing his way. The same report flags limited yards after the catch and a release package that too often turns routine targets into contested ones. At SMU he has shown big-play range early, including a 107-yard game in a win at Florida State and a 79-yard catch on the season. ScoutingGrade projects him as a boundary receiver who can work back-shoulder throws, deep comebacks and crossers, ranks him No. 156 on its board with a Round 5 range, and notes an outside consensus ranking closer to No. 88. Winning earlier in his routes against press and man coverage is the swing factor for his 2026 tape.
Every strength
- Quarterbacks produced strong results when targeting him in 2025
- Experience lined up almost entirely outside
- Vertical threat at SMU, averaging 16.5 yards per catch with a 79-yard long through five weeks of 2026
- Shows up against good opponents, with 5 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in a win at Florida State
- Projects to a role on back-shoulder throws, deep comebacks and crossers
Every weakness
- Separation against man coverage is unproven
- Overall receiving efficiency was solid rather than dominant for a projected outside starter
- Early 2026 volume has been modest, with 14 catches through five weeks
- Ceiling may cap as a role receiver unless he wins earlier in routes
NFL Comps
Scouts say: Darius Slayton, Isaiah Coulter.
Draft Movement
Down 80 spots since Oct.
Where he sits on the consensus big board, each week since Oct. Up is better.
College Stats
| Season | Team | G | Tgt | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |  East Carolina | 10 | 28 | 25 | 434 | 17.4 | 3 |
| 2025 | East Carolina | 10 | 59 | 44 | 583 | 13.2 | 5 |
| 2026 | SMU | 4 | 18 | 14 | 231 | 16.5 | 2 |
| Career | 24 | 105 | 83 | 1,248 | 15.0 | 10 |
From our play-by-play, so the yards can sit a touch under the official box score.
College Market Value
Our model prices him at $542K on the open college market, built from production, pedigree, role and SMU's program money. No credible deal has been reported for him this season.
The college fantasy model projects 7.7 PPG (WR116), after 10.5 PPG across 4 games last year.
Portal: transferred from East Carolina to SMU for 2026.
Every P4 player priced, math public: College players & NIL · Roster spend
Awards & Honors
CBS Sports (Mike Renner) top non-Power Four WR in 2027 class; ScoutingGrade 2027 big board No. 156 (Round 5 range); Outside consensus ranking near No. 88