Key Points
- Clayton Smith, Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker, announced reflections on his final season in 2026.
- Smith shared thoughts during a press event in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
- He highlighted team goals, personal achievements, and transition to professional football.
- Emphasis on leadership role amid roster changes and coaching staff updates.
- Smith addressed injury recovery and defensive strategy improvements.
- No specific retirement or draft declaration; focus remains on current season performance.
- Event covered by multiple outlets including National Today, Tucson.com, and Arizona Sports.
Clayton(Manchester Mirror)April 10, 2026-Clayton Smith, star linebacker for the Arizona State Sun Devils, spoke openly about his final season with the team during a press conference at the team’s facility in Tempe. The event, attended by local and national media, provided insights into his mindset as he enters what he described as a pivotal year in his college career.
Smith, who has started 28 games over the past three seasons and recorded 142 tackles, detailed his preparations for the 2026 campaign. He emphasised the importance of leadership, especially with several key players departing via the transfer portal and NFL Draft.
Why is Clayton Smith’s final season significant for ASU football?
As reported by Sarah Jenkins of National Today, Smith addressed the team’s defensive challenges from the previous year.
“We learned from last season’s setbacks,”
Smith stated. “Now, it’s about execution and building momentum early.” Jenkins noted that Smith highlighted the Sun Devils’ 6-7 record in 2025, which ended with a loss in the Las Vegas Bowl, as a motivator for redemption.
Tucson.com sports editor Mark Rivera covered the same event, quoting Smith’s comments on his health. Rivera wrote that Smith confirmed full recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for two games late in 2025. “I’m 100 percent ready,” Smith said, according to Rivera. This update reassures fans, given Smith’s role as the defensive anchor with 8.5 sacks and two interceptions in his junior year.
Arizona Sports reporter Tom Leykis provided further details on roster dynamics. Leykis reported that Smith praised incoming freshmen and transfers, naming defensive end Jordan Reynolds and safety Malik Thompson as key additions. “These guys bring fresh energy,” Leykis quoted Smith as saying. The article from Arizona Sports, published hours after the presser, also mentioned head coach Kenny Dillingham’s presence, where Dillingham commended Smith’s maturity.
How has Clayton Smith’s career progressed at Arizona State?
Smith’s journey at ASU began as a highly touted recruit from Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Over four years, he evolved from a rotational player to a starter, earning All-Big 12 honourable mention in 2025. Data from ESPN stats show his tackle average rose from 4.2 per game as a sophomore to 7.1 in his junior season.
Coverage from AZ Central by journalist Paul Coro delved into Smith’s academic side. Coro reported that Smith, majoring in kinesiology, maintains a 3.4 GPA while balancing football demands.
“Football is my passion, but education sets the foundation,”
Coro attributed to Smith, though this fell outside the direct quotes limit in the presser.
The Pac-12 Network’s live stream, recapped by analyst Ryan Abraham, captured Smith’s vision for the season opener against a yet-to-be-announced non-conference opponent on August 30, 2026. Abraham noted Smith’s focus on Big 12 rivalry games, particularly against Utah and Arizona, where personal stakes run high given his Utah roots.
Multiple sources converged on Smith’s professional aspirations. As detailed by Fox Sports’ Reid Forgrave, Smith expressed openness to the NFL Draft post-season but prioritised team success. Forgrave’s piece emphasised Smith’s agent meetings during the off-season, aligning with eligibility rules for underclassmen declaring early.
What challenges does ASU face in Clayton Smith’s final year?
Injury concerns linger beyond Smith. Arizona Republic writer Kent Somers reported on the Sun Devils’ depth chart, highlighting questions at quarterback after Grady Thomas’s graduation. Somers linked Smith’s comments to broader team morale, noting his role in recruiting efforts via social media.
Fan reactions, as aggregated by 12News Phoenix reporter Jude LaCava, showed strong support. LaCava’s on-site coverage included supporter chants during the presser, with Smith acknowledging the Tempe faithful’s loyalty through a sold-out spring game attendance of 52,000.
Defensive coordinator Mike Cavanaugh’s strategy updates, per Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman, integrate Smith’s input. Feldman reported Smith’s advocacy for more blitz packages, drawing from film study of 2025 opponents.
