Football standout Smith ’26 named Academic All-American

Vikings football team captain Breyden Smith '26 was named an Academic All-American today, bringing Augustana's total to 184 and securing its Top 15 ranking among all U.S. colleges and universities. Augustana also leads all Illinois schools and all CCIW schools in number of Academic All-Americans.

"Other than winning an individual or team national championship, being recognized as an Academic All-American is probably the most significant achievement for a collegiate student-athlete," said Mike Zapolski, Augustana's director of athletics.

"Augustana is blessed to be one of the top schools in the country for producing Academic All-Americans, and Breyden joins an impressive list of past Vikings who have earned this tremendous honor."

Recognized in the Special Teams category for his award, Smith was the CCIW's leader in both total punt return yards and punt return average. He also holds the school record for most kick return yards during a player's career.

In early December, Smith was named to the D3football.com All-Region Team as a returner. He was the CCIW Special Teams Player of the Week twice last season.

"I am grateful to have been awarded this status as well as to see the importance of finding a healthy balance in the things that matter most to me," Smith said. "Earning this has helped me understand what it means to put yourself in an environment that helps you become the best version of yourself. Augustana has presented me with the tools to do just that, which is a rarity that most schools try to sell you on but never can deliver."

Smith is the first Academic All-American for the Vikings football program since Michael Daniels '17 in 2016.

"Breyden is the epitome of a true student-athlete," said Steve Bell, Vikings head football coach. "During the recruiting period with Breyden out of high school, I suggested that this was a realistic opportunity for him with his academic profile and ability on the football field. It's wonderful to see this honor come to fruition for him and our Augustana College football program.

"Breyden has undoubtedly earned the right to be called an Academic All-American through his work ethic and attention to detail, so I am very excited for him," Coach Bell added.

From Arlington Heights, Ill., Smith is a double major, studying business administration-marketing and political science. He plans to attend law school after Augustana.