Gophers defensive end Anthony Smith named Big Ten preseason player of the year
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Jul 27, 2026
Anthony Smith of the Gophers has been named the Big Ten's preseason defensive player of the year in a poll conducted by Cleveland.com. The redshirt senior received 26 votes, edging out other contenders, including Oregon's Brandon Finney Jr. Smith, who recorded 12 1/2 sacks last season, aims to expand his reputation as an all-around pass rusher. Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey received one vote for offensive player of the year, while Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith led with 82 votes. The acknowledgment of Smith's prowess sets expectations for his performance this fall.
- •Anthony Smith named preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year
- •Smith led Big Ten with 12 1/2 sacks last season
- •Drake Lindsey received a vote for offensive player of the year
- •Cleveland.com poll results reveal strong support for Smith
- •Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith leads offensive player votes with 82
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Gophers’ Anthony Smith named preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year
"A lot is expected out of Gophers defensive end Anthony Smith this fall. The 16th annual Cleveland.com poll of the Big Ten Conference’s reporters pegged Smith as its preseason defensive player of the year on Monday. The redshirt senior from Shippensburg, Pa., edged four players from Oregon for the honor. Smith received 26 total votes and two first-place tallies, followed by Ducks cornerback ...
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