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Ainias Smith's time in College Station as a player has come to an end. As a coach, it's just getting started.
The senior Texas A&M receiver officially announced his intent to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft via social media. Smith still had one year of eligibility remaining after taking a medical redshirt in 2022.
“As my college journey is coming to an end, I want to thank (former A&M head) coach (Jimbo) Fisher and the staff for believing in me,” Smith wrote. “I also wanted to thank Texas A&M University, the 12th man, and everyone who has supported me along the way.
"I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. Sub-Zer0 Out.”
In his post, Smith confirmed that he would not be available to play when the Aggies (7-5) take on No. 20 Oklahoma State (9-4) in the TaxAct Texas Bowl in Houston on Dec. 27, but new coach Mike Elko and interim coach Elijah Robinson plan to use him as a coach for the game.
Last week, Smith told KPRC2 News in Houston that he suffered a broken finger in the regular-season finale loss to No. 13 LSU, which required surgery. Smith said he would represent the Maroon and White again if offered to play in an All-Star game.
Smith was invited to the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl, though he has yet to accept his invite as of this time.
One of the most productive players in the Fisher era, Smith finished the 2023 season with 53 catches for 795 yards (15.0) and two touchdowns. He also shined on special teams, totaling 20 punt returns for 285 yards (14.3) with a touchdown.
Smith tied former A&M star Christian Kirk’s 38-game streak with a reception during the first quarter of a 42-30 loss to the Tigers in Baton Rouge last weekend. In what could be his final game with the program, the star pass-catcher totaled a team-high eight catches for 56 yards.
In 50 career games, Smith notched 180 receptions for 2,407 yards and 19 TDs. He also had 405 yards rushing on 72 carries (5.6) with four scores.
Smith is also the only player in SEC history to finish with 2,000 receiving yards and to gain more than 250 yards rushing, in punt returns and kickoff returns. He will end his time in College Station ranked fourth in career receptions, tied for fifth in career receiving touchdowns and sixth in career receiving yards.
With Evan Stewart's status for the bowl game remaining a mystery, the Aggies will likely turn more to juniors Jahdae Walker and Moose Muhammad III. Walker, a transfer from Grand Valley State, took over as the No. 2 receiver once Stewart suffered a lower-body injury against South Carolina.
Walker finished with 27 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns. The Aggies also have sophomore Noah Thomas, who finished with 29 receptions for 359 yards and five touchdowns in nine games.
Muhammad, who consistently flashed but never was able to build up production after promising games, should continue to see his role expand after a strong finish to the 2023 campaign. Following Fisher's firing in early November, Muhammad totaled six catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.
He finished the regular season with 24 catches for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, Muhammad filled in as the Aggies' starting slot receiver in place of the injured Smith, recording 38 catches for 610 yards and four scores.
Smith is the only player to declare for the NFL draft and announce he would not be playing in the bowl game among those who have remained on the active roster. Other players like defensive lineman Walter Nolen, offensive tackle Chase Bisontis and tight end Jake Johnson have all entered the portal and will not be with the team for bowl practice.
Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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