Former Hawkeye Brandon Smith has been showing out in the offseason since joining the New York Jets organization.
Smith went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent time on the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals squads, while playing in the UFL in between.
He found success with the UFL's (previous XFL) DC Defenders and was able to parlay that success into another NFL opportunity with the Jets.
Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn singled Smith out as a player that he has not talked enough about, and he has been impressive since OTAs earlier in the offseason.
During the Jets' first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Smith was tied for the team lead in targets with three, and caught two of them for 23 yards.
After a solid showing in game one with Adrian Martinez getting the bulk of the quarterback reps, Smith took first-team reps at camp and started during their second preseason game against the New York Giants.
Smith had another good game and was again pinpointed by Aaron Glenn.
Aaron Glenn was asked about the #Jets young WRs, & he said 2 guys stuck out to him in the game:
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 17, 2025
Brandon Smith & Quentin Skinner
"Both of those guys are big guys, both go up & high point the ball. I thought it was a good showing for those 2 guys."
After the game against the Giants, Glenn was asked about which young receivers stood out to him, and he mentioned Smith and Quentin Skinner.
Both players had a solid game against the Giants as Smith led the team in receptions (five) and tied Skinner for the team lead in receiving yards with 48. Skinner also added a touchdown.
Smith continues making a name for himself during his third stint in the NFL with his third team, and he is playing his way into the discussion to make the 53-man roster.
The Jets head back to New York to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Central Time in their final preseason game.