Will Smart joined the Vanderbilt football staff in 2025 as pass rush specialist.

Smart was a three-star prospect out of high school who played at Wake Forest from 2019-21, appearing in five career games with five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack before injuries forced him to medically retire. During his time as a player, the Milford, New Jersey, native was a two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection and was named to the Dean’s List four times during his undergraduate career.

He spent two seasons with the Demon Deacons as a student assistant before becoming a graduate assistant in 2024. Smith helped the Deacs to a Gasparilla Bowl title in 2022, working closely with NFL Draft pick and All-American Kobie Turner.

The Smart File
Hometown: Milford, N.J.
High School: Delbarton School
College: Wake Forest (communications, 2023)

Playing Experience
2019-21 • Wake Forest (defensive line)

Coaching Career
2024 • Wake Forest • Graduate Assistant

Postseason Experience
2019 • Wake Forest • Pinstripe Bowl (player)
2020 • Wake Forest • Duke’s Mayo Bowl (player)
2021 • Wake Forest • ACC Championship Game (player)
2021 • Wake Forest • Gator Bowl Champions (player)