On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Louisville football program has stuck again in the Class of 2026, this time landing two-way prospect Emoni Smith.
Here is Louisville Cardinals On SI's full evaluation:
Prospect: Emoni Smith
Position: Wide Receiver/Safety
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 175 pounds
School: Galloway (Oh.) Westland
Top Offers: Kentucky, Michigan State, Purdue, USF, West Virginia
247Sports Composite Rating (Nat'l Rank): 0.8363 (721st)
Emoni Smith's Junior Year Highlights: HERE (Hudl)
Frame: Smith has a very wiry base frame on him. That being said, not only does he have some solid muscle tone, particularly in his core, there's the potential to add a lot more depending on what his exact role at the next level is. Smith also has an incredibly lengthy wingspan, which will bode well for him regardless of his position.
Athleticism: Smith has an upper-tier combination of athletic intangibles. For starters, he's got great open field long stride speed, which is backed up by a laser-timed 4.49 40-yard dash. Additionally, he's got good footwork that both helps him change directions fairly easily, and gives his quick (albeit inconsistent) burst. He's also got a good vertical, and underrated play strength.
Instincts: While Smith plays both sides of the ball, some of his best work comes on defense. He does a solid job of reading the quarterback's eyes and making correct defensive reads, and has good closing speed on ball carriers. He also does a great job high pointing the ball both in coverage and on offense as a pass catcher, regularly utilizing his vertical and length here. Additionally, he plays very physically. Not only in the fact that he routinely makes hard hits, but he also does very well with disrupting receivers in press coverage. Over on offense and on special teams as a kick returner, he's got good downfield vision, a nasty one-cut, and is a slippery ball carrier overall. As a true out-wide receiver, he's got a good release, but it is a bit inconsistent.
Polish: There are very few positions that Smith *doesn't* play. Defensively, he can play on the back end as a true safety, but also closer to the line of scrimmage in the box, while also taking reps as both a slot and boundary corner, and at edge rusher. He also plays wide receiver (true WR and gadget plays) and punt/kick returner. On defense, he's a fundamental tackler who rarely uses his physical nature in a reckless manner. On top of having good ball skills after/during to the pass, he has great anticipatory skills in both man and zone coverage on when to break on the ball before it's even thrown. Offensively, while Smith doesn't run a very diverse route tree, he has a good feel for them and runs them efficiently. Also seems to have consistent catching ability as well, even in traffic.
Bottom Line: Overall, this could go down as the most underrated pickup in the cycle for Louisville. Depending on his exact role and how he fills out physically (likely projects as a STAR in UofL's defense), he could carve a path to early playing time.
You can follow Louisville Cardinals On SI for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram:
Facebook - @LouisvilleOnSI
Twitter/X - @LouisvilleOnSI
Instagram - @louisvilleonsi
You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter/X and @mattmcgavic.bsky.social on Bluesky
More must-reads:
- Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension
- One-time Super Bowl champion LB retires
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Viral Photos Emerge of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Skating With Former Oilers Fan-Favorite
Some photos have emerged making their rounds online, and going viral, showing former Oilers fan-favorite Jarret Stoll skating with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Edmonton Oilers fans got a surprise appearance from a familiar face of their hockey history with Travis Kelce's new Instagram post. What has been described by many as the 'hard launch' of his relationship with Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce took to social media to share photos of his off-season adventures. Although the pop star and NFL player have been seen together for months, this marks the first time Kelce has shared Taylor Swift on his Instagram. Among the photos, a photo of former Oilers forward and fan-favorite Jarret Stoll, who brought his wife, ESPN sportscaster Erin Andrews, along with him, was included. The photos were likely taken in March, but have only surfaced now The photos reportedly were taken at Yellowstone Club in Montana on a March trip, and winter clothing and snowy backgrounds verified that itinerary. Kelce and Swift are even seen skating, which can only indicate they might've selected Jarret Stoll, their NHL connection, for some tips or possibly even a friendly game. Brothers Travis and Jason Kelce have been long-time hockey lovers and spent their childhood playing the game in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Stoll played five years with the Oilers between 2002 and 2008, logging 59 goals and 106 assists in 286 games. He was also an integral part of Edmonton's 2006 Stanley Cup Final run, appearing in all 24 playoff games. While now seen donning a Los Angeles Kings cap in the photo, a nod to his seven-year stint there, Stoll's Edmonton legacy sits with the fans. This is not the first inadvertent Oilers tie for Swift, though. She and Kelce attended the Stanley Cup Final this year, and a throwback photo of Swift with former Oiler Jeff Skinner from her 2013 Red Tour surfaced during the playoffs.
Dustin Rhodes Assigns Blame After Hulk Hogan’s Death
Following the shocking news of Hulk Hogan’s passing, wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes, known to millions as Goldust in WWE, took to social media to share a deeply personal and provocative reaction: “Hospitals truly kill people. I really do mean that.” Rhodes’ blunt statement stunned many fans, but those who know his story saw the pain behind the words. His father, the iconic Dusty Rhodes, passed away in 2015, aged 69, after a fall at home led to hospitalization for kidney failure. After his father's passing, Dustin shared a contemplative response on WWE's YouTube channel to discuss the legacy his father left behind. The news of Hogan's death comes just a month after reports suggested he was on his "deathbed" after undergoing a neck procedure back in May. Hogan's reps denied that was the case. In June, US Weekly reported that Hogan had also undergone a "pretty serious heart surgery and was doing well afterward." Dustin’s connection to his brother Cody Rhodes, now a top WWE superstar and face of the company’s next generation, is unbreakable. The Rhodes family legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of pro wrestling history, and seeing another legend like Hogan pass has clearly hit close to home. While Goldust and Hulk Hogan never had a headline-grabbing rivalry, they did share the ring once. It occurred in WCW in 2000 when Dustin Rhodes matched up against Hogan. Although their paths didn’t often cross in the squared circle, Hogan and the Rhodes family were part of the same larger-than-life era that helped define pro wrestling for decades and catapult the sport into society's zeitgeist. Rhodes’ comment about hospitals might not sit well with everyone, but it speaks to a raw and honest pain felt by someone who has seen too many legends, both personal and professional, fade away in similar fashion. The sport of wrestling has endured more than its fair share of lives cut short. As tributes continue to pour in for Hogan, Rhodes’ reaction serves as a powerful, if somber, reminder of the real human emotions behind the wrestling personas.
Steelers rookie Will Howard may have already moved up the depth chart
Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is in full swing, and it’s already been full of excitement. With many new faces on the roster, fans are eager to see how these additions will fit in. After a busy and eventful offseason, training camp serves as the perfect opportunity for all the anticipation surrounding the team to start coming together on the field. One of the most talked-about positions for the Steelers this offseason has been quarterback. The team completely overhauled the position, leading to plenty of uncertainty and speculation early on. While the Steelers were strongly linked to Aaron Rodgers for some time, no official deal had been made by the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. Amid the uncertainty, the team made a bold decision by selecting Will Howard out of Ohio State, bringing in a new face and creating even more talk about the future of the position. Because the Steelers picked Howard late in the draft, there were questions about what his role on the team would be. Even before Rodgers signed, it was clear Howard wouldn’t be the starter. However, during a recent 7 shots drill, Howard unexpectedly took reps with the third team, raising more questions about where he might fit in. Rodgers is clearly locked in as the starting quarterback, with the hope that he can stay healthy throughout the entire season. Earlier in the offseason, he mentioned that this would likely be his final year, though he expressed excitement about the opportunity to play for a franchise like the Steelers. That said, Rodgers has always been unpredictable, and there’s still a chance his career may continue beyond this season. Regardless of what the future holds, his experience and football knowledge are incredibly valuable to the other quarterbacks on the roster, and they’ve made it clear how much they appreciate having him around. Mason Rudolph is expected to be the primary backup behind Rodgers this season. Rudolph was originally drafted by the Steelers and has spent most of his career in Pittsburgh as a dependable backup. However, he’s also shown he can step up when needed, filling in during important games and leading the team when called upon. Rudolph spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, gaining additional experience outside of Pittsburgh. After that brief stint, he re-signed with the Steelers early in the offseason, bringing familiarity, veteran presence and stability to the quarterback room behind Rodgers. Rudolph recently shared that Rodgers has been both incredibly helpful and genuinely friendly since joining the team. Many expected Skylar Thompson, another veteran backup the Steelers signed this offseason, to be next in line on the depth chart. However, with Howard now taking third-team reps, he could move up the depth chart as the season progresses. Rookies bring an element of unpredictability since they’re adjusting to a completely new environment and haven’t yet played in professional games. It’s hard to know how they’ll perform until they get real field experience. If Howard continues to perform well, there’s no reason he shouldn’t climb higher on the depth chart. It’s unlikely that Howard will get much playing time this year, but that doesn’t mean this season isn’t important for him. Learning from a player like Rodgers is incredibly valuable, and Howard has shared how grateful he is to have Rodgers as a mentor. Even if he doesn’t take the field this season, the experience and knowledge he gains behind the scenes could greatly influence his opportunities for playing time down the road. Steelers' future at QB likely isn't on the roster The Steelers were connected to several quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, and the situation drew plenty of attention due to the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers at the time. Although the team eventually signed Rodgers and selected Howard in the later rounds, it seems the search for a long-term franchise quarterback may still be ongoing. Rodgers is only on a one-year deal, and reports have already surfaced that the Steelers are eyeing next year’s quarterback draft class. Opinions on Howard vary, as some view him as a potential career backup, while others are optimistic about his upside and believe he could develop into a solid starting option in the future. Will Howard prove himself and continue to move up the depth chart?
Mets Unlikely to Trade for $56 Million Pitcher After New Report
The New York Mets are a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East ahead of Friday night's bout with the San Francisco Giants, but they are still one of the most vulnerable teams in baseball. New York has a laundry list of pitchers on the IL, including Tylor Megill (elbow), Griffin Canning (Achilles), and Max Kranick (flexor). However, it did acquire southpaw hurler Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. The veteran is 0-2 with a 3.96 ERA over 45 appearances this season, including 18 holds and one save. While the Mets could stand to add more healthy arms, they probably won't get a certain prominent hurler on the Miami Marlins, via The New York Post's Mike Puma. "The Mets are among the teams that have checked in on Sandy Alcantara," he reported on Friday. "The asking price is steep. The Mets haven’t ruled out adding a starting pitcher, but view it as a tough add given the market." Alcantara is 5-9 with a 6.66 ERA over 20 starts this season. The 29-year-old won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022 after going 14-9 with a 2.28 ERA in 32 starts. His current contract extension has a $21 million club option for 2027, and he's scheduled to make $17.3 million in both 2025 and 2026. Right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes (8-5, 3.48 ERA) will start for New York against San Francisco right-hander Logan Webb (9-7, 3.08 ERA) on Friday.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
