Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith has likely played his last down in an Aggie uniform.
Smith told KPRC2 News that he would not play in A&M’s bowl game next month after suffering a broken finger in the season-finale loss against No. 13 LSU.
According to Smith’s parents, he underwent surgery earlier this week.
“I was going to play in the bowl game, but I broke my finger,” Smith said, via KPRC2. “So, right now, I’m just doing offseason workouts with a new coaching staff and me not being able to play in the bowl game.”
Smith said if invited to a postseason all-star game such as the Senior Bowl, he would participate.
“I’m very honored about the Senior Bowl. I haven’t seen the invite yet, but I’m definitely very excited.”
The Aggies (7-5, 4-4 SEC) could stay close to home for their bowl game if invited to the TaxAct Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston. A&M played Oklahoma State in the Texas Bowl in 2019, winning 24-21 behind an impressive performance from Kellen Mond.
Smith finished the 2023 season with 53 catches for 795 yards (15.0) and two touchdowns. He also shined on special teams, totaling 20 punt returns for 285 yards (14.3) with a touchdown.
Smith tied former A&M star Christian Kirk’s 38-game streak with a reception during the first quarter of a 42-30 loss to the Tigers in Baton Rouge last weekend. In what could be his final game with the program, the star pass-catcher totaled a team-high eight catches for 56 yards.
In 50 career games, Smith notched 180 receptions for 2,407 yards and 19 TDs. He also had 405 yards rushing on 72 carries (5.6) with four scores.
One of the premier special teams players in program history, Smith finished with 82 punt returns for 836 yards with two touchdowns. He also had 20 kickoff returns for 360 yards.
Smith is also the only player in SEC history to finish with 2,000 receiving yards and to gain more than 250 yards rushing, in punt returns and kickoff returns. He ranks top 10 all-time in A&M for receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, receptions, punt returns and yards, and all-purpose yards.
While he’s likely destined for the NFL, Smith still has one more year of eligibility after playing in four games during the 2022 season. Smith medically redshirted after suffering a season-ending leg injury against Arkansas in the Southwest Classic.
The Aggies will be coached by interim coach Elijah Robinson for the bowl game. A&M recently hired Duke coach Mike Elko for the same position following the firing of Jimbo Fisher.
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