In the 2025 season, Smith started in all 13 games for the Gophers and made 38 tackles. On top of his impressive statistical season, Smith announced after this year’s bowl game that he would be staying with the Gophers for one more year. Johnson was recently named a part of Phil Steele’s 2026 preseason All-American team alongside Smith. In his 2026 magazine, Steele put both Johnson and Smith on his All-American team and Big Ten first team. Drake Lindsey, Maverick Baranowski and Darius Taylor will all also be returning alongside Smith and Johnson.