After Tai Felton and Kaden Prather were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft last weekend, one man stands atop Maryland football’s receiver room: Octavian Smith Jr.
As the only player still on Maryland’s roster that finished top six in receiving yards last season and one of three seniors at the position, expectations have soared. He is no longer the young, speedy gadget receiver who occasionally flashes his potential on an end–around or shovel pass. His responsibility has multiplied, but Smith said he’s built for it.
“When the pressure’s on, I don’t really fold,” Smith said. “When things get rough, we need a play, I want [the team] to come look for me.