What Happened to Emmitt James Smith IV?
Emmitt James Smith IV, often known as EJ Smith, is an American football running back who played college football at Stanford and Texas A&M. Despite a college career marked by injuries and a rotational role, he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and, as of April 26, 2026, has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, aiming to carve out his own professional path.
Quick Answer
EJ Smith, the son of NFL legend Emmitt Smith, concluded his college football career at Stanford and Texas A&M, where he was a rotational running back. He declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in December 2025. As of April 26, 2026, Smith was not selected in the draft but has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, embarking on his professional NFL journey.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Dallas, Texas
Emmitt James Smith IV, son of NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, is born.
Breakout Sophomore High School Season
As a sophomore at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Smith earned District 9-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.
Senior High School Season & 4-Star Recruit Status
Smith was a first-team all-district selection, rushing for 902 yards. He was rated a four-star recruit and the No. 48 prospect in the Class of 2020 by ESPN.
Enrolls at Stanford University
EJ Smith commits to and enrolls at Stanford, beginning his collegiate football career.
Scores First Collegiate Touchdown
As a sophomore at Stanford, Smith became a rotational player and scored his first collegiate touchdown against Vanderbilt on September 18, 2021.
Season-Ending Injury at Stanford
After a strong start to his junior season, including an 87-yard touchdown run, Smith suffered an undisclosed season-ending injury after two games.
Leads Stanford in Rushing Attempts
In his senior year at Stanford, Smith appeared in all 12 games, earning five starts and leading the team with 53 rushing carries for 218 yards.
Enters Transfer Portal
Smith officially enters the NCAA transfer portal after four seasons with Stanford.
Transfers to Texas A&M
EJ Smith commits to Texas A&M as a graduate transfer, returning to his home state.
Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
After two seasons with the Texas A&M Aggies, Smith announces his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft via Instagram.
Works Out for Dallas Cowboys
Smith participates in the Dallas Cowboys' 'Dallas Day' local prospect workout, generating buzz about potentially joining his father's former team.
Signs with Kansas City Chiefs as Undrafted Free Agent
After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, EJ Smith signs with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, confirmed by his agent and announced by Smith.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Emmitt James Smith IV, born on May 15, 2002, entered the football world with the immense shadow of his Pro Football Hall of Fame father, Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. EJ Smith began to forge his own identity as a highly-touted prospect at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, where he was rated a four-star recruit and the No. 48 prospect in the Class of 2020 by ESPN.
His collegiate career commenced at Stanford University in 2020. After a limited freshman year, he showed promise as a sophomore in 2021, scoring his first collegiate touchdown. The 2022 season started with high expectations, with Smith making an 87-yard touchdown run on his first carry and accumulating 206 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the first two games. However, an undisclosed season-ending injury curtailed his junior year, a significant turning point that hampered his development and limited his playing time. He returned in 2023, leading Stanford in rushing attempts and expanding his role in the passing game.
Seeking a fresh start and more playing time, Smith entered the transfer portal in November 2023 and subsequently transferred to Texas A&M in January 2024. At Texas A&M, he spent two seasons (2024-2025) as a rotational back in a crowded backfield, often behind other highly-rated recruits. Despite never quite living up to the 'bell-cow' expectations from his high school days, he accumulated nearly 1,500 total yards and 10 touchdowns over his collegiate career across both institutions.
On December 29, 2025, EJ Smith officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Leading up to the draft, he participated in a 'Dallas Day' workout for the Dallas Cowboys on March 25, 2026, sparking speculation about him potentially joining his father's former team. However, Smith was not selected during the 2026 NFL Draft. Immediately following the draft, on April 26, 2026, it was confirmed that EJ Smith signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. This move places him with a Super Bowl-contending team, offering an opportunity to prove his capabilities at the professional level and establish his own legacy in the NFL, separate from his father's monumental achievements.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Emmitt James Smith IV made different choices?