Mekhai Smith’s 2025 Season Put the FCS on Notice

By NoLackinLifestyle LLC | College Football | FCS Spotlight

Photo Courtesy of Lehigh Football

Great defensive backs don’t just defend — they dictate.

In 2025, Lehigh University defensive back Mekhai Smith did exactly that, turning in one of the most complete seasons by any defender in the Patriot League and earning national recognition in the process. Smith was named First Team All-Patriot League on defense and collected Associated Press FCS All-American Honorable Mention honors, placing him among the top defensive backs in the subdivision.

At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Smith brought size, physicality, and football IQ to the Mountain Hawks’ secondary, serving as a tone-setter for a Lehigh defense that helped power a 12–1 season and a Patriot League championship.

A Season Defined by Consistency and Impact

Smith didn’t rely on splash plays alone — though there were plenty of those. What separated him was reliability snap after snap, week after week.

2025 Season Production

Mekhai Smith Lehigh football defensive back - photo via @Mekhai.smith_1 on instagram

• 56 total tackles (4th on the team)

• 4 interceptions (Top 2 in the Patriot League)

• Multiple pass breakups and forced negative plays

• Trusted matchup defender in man coverage

• Physical run support from the secondary

Smith’s ability to read quarterbacks and close space quickly made him a constant problem for opposing offenses. His four interceptions routinely flipped momentum, while his willingness to attack downhill solidified Lehigh’s defensive identity.

Big-Time Recognition

The postseason accolades validated what film already showed.

Earning First Team All-Patriot League honors placed Smith among the elite defenders in conference play. Being named an AP FCS All-American Honorable Mention elevated him to the national conversation — recognition reserved for players whose performance transcends scheme and opponent.

Smith’s combination of length, instincts, and physicality gives him traits evaluators covet at the next level, and his 2025 tape reflects a player who understands leverage, timing, and situational football.

Lehigh football defense Patriot League champion  - photo via @Mekhai.smith_1 on instagram

The Standard Moving Forward

For Lehigh, Smith became the backbone of the secondary.

For the Patriot League, he became the benchmark.

And for the rest of the FCS, 2025 served as a clear message: Mekhai Smith isn’t just productive — he’s dependable, disruptive, and built for big moments.

Mekhai Smith Playing 7 on 7 football in high school.

Smith is also a proud NoLackinLifestyle LLC 7-on-7 alum, continuing the tradition of athletes developed through competition, preparation, and accountability.