Mekhai Smith brings ball-hawking size and instant competition at safety
In the 2025 season at Lehigh, Mekhai Smith posted 56 tackles, 4 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery, then arrived at Minnesota in January 2026 with a chance to compete for a starting safety role. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he offers a physical, versatile profile that fits both deep coverage and downhill support, and multiple outlets described him as one of the top FCS safeties in the portal. The selling point is simple: he creates turnovers and plays with enough size and range to matter right away.
