Maryland senior wide receiver, and Montgomery County native, Octavian Smith Jr. announced that he will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, sharing the news in a heartfelt letter addressed to “Terpsville.”
Smith, a Paint Branch High School graduate from Burtonsville, reflected on his journey at the University of Maryland and thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his college career.
“First and foremost, I would be remiss if I didn’t give all the honor, praise and glory to the most high,” Smith wrote. “None of this would be possible without the good graces of the Lord.” Smith also expressed gratitude to his family for their sacrifices, his coaches for shaping him on and off the field, and his teammates for the relationships built over the years. He closed the letter by thanking Terp Nation and stating his pride in being a Maryland alumnus before officially announcing his decision to pursue the NFL.
Smith is coming off a productive senior season in College Park. In 2025, he finished second on the team in receiving yards with 500 yards and third in receptions with 40 catches, recording at least one catch in all 11 games. He surpassed 100 career receptions during the season and moved into the program’s top 20 in career catches.
Among his season highlights, Smith went over 1,000 career receiving yards during the game at Washington, posted a career best rushing performance against Wisconsin with 113 rushing yards on six carries, and consistently contributed as both a receiver and versatile offensive weapon.
Before arriving at Maryland, Smith was one of the most decorated high school athletes in the state. At Paint Branch High School, he was a four star recruit, the top ranked offensive player in Maryland, and the 2021 4A Montgomery County Outstanding Player of the Year. He led Paint Branch to a 30 and 5 record, helped guide the Panthers to the 4A State Quarterfinals, and earned First Team All Met honors.
Smith totaled 1,747 yards and 22 touchdowns as a dual threat quarterback in his senior season, adding multiple special teams touchdowns as both a punt and kick returner. He later chose Maryland over Penn State, Northwestern, Virginia, and Boston College.
Off the football field, Smith is known for his speed and athleticism, also competing in track and field with personal bests of 10.88 in the 100 meter and 21.95 in the 200 meter. He has said he enjoys writing poems, fashion, and cars, and counts LeBron James as his sports hero.
Smith leaves Maryland with career highs of eight receptions in a game, 84 receiving yards, and a 42 yard long reception, while also contributing as a returner throughout his career. With his letter, the Burtonsville native officially closes one chapter and begins the next as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
