Zae Smith brings power, motor, and plug-the-gap disruption to Cal’s defensive front
In the 2025 season, Cal senior DL Zae Smith appeared in six games after arriving from Houston Christian, where he posted 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in 2024; at 6-foot-1 and 310 pounds, he’s a compact interior defender with a strong motor and enough athleticism to play with pop, not just bulk. Reports praised his strength and effort, and his jump from FCS to FBS is the main question — if he translates, he looks like a useful fit for a team needing an active, physical run-stopper who can also create interior pressure.
