Trey Smith is one of the most beloved Tennessee football players of this era, but he almost chose hated rival Alabama over the Vols, which would have completely changed the course of his playing career and his relationship with the fanbase.
He joined the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce. The three NFL stars discussed Smith's recruiting journey and how he ultimately ended up at Tennessee despite growing up as an Alabama fan.
"I got my first offer from Ole Miss, I think when I was 14, from Hugh Freeze, and that was just sort of like a domino effect," Smith shared.
This is not uncommon for many West Tennessee athletes. Tennessee-Martin, Memphis, and Ole Miss are often the first to offer West Tennessee football players but often start the domino effect in their recruiting.
"I got offers from across the country," Smith continued. "But for me, I always grew up a Bama fan because my kindergarten teacher at the time, her son, was an equipment manager [for Alabama]. So I went to the locker room on game day — the first time I've been to an SEC football game or a college football game.
"My favorite color's red. I love elephants. Bama was of one of the top schools. Nick Saban has won all these championships and stuff. Then, obviously, I started getting recruited. I started looking around a little bit, and ultimately, bro, it ended up being between Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Tennessee.
"And then, the night of my decision, it was really Ohio State and Tennessee. And then I flipped to Tennessee in the middle of the night. I was like, you know what — Tennessee makes more sense long term. It's my home. I want to live there one day. I think it was the best decision I've ever made in my life."
Smith's decision to commit to Tennessee might have shocked some fans throughout Vol Nation. Between Ohio State and Alabama, it seemed unlikely he was to pick Tennessee in the middle of the Butch Jones era, but he did.
He quickly became a fan favorite on Rocky Top, and Vols fans have had his back ever since, whether it was on the field or in challenges off the field when his playing career was in jeopardy.
"The last time I played a snap for Tennessee was going on over a decade ago, and people still know my name," said Smith. "I go into restaurants, and people talk to you. It just shows how great Vol Nation is. You're a great player, and you treat the city right, man; they'll show love continuously, bro. So, like I said, there's fandom and there's lifestyle. They live that life down there in Tennessee."
Smith was destined to be an NFL star regardless of where he committed to play, but he made himself a Tennessee legend by staying in-state and playing for the Vols when he could have easily played elsewhere.
He has now spent four years in the NFL and has become a mainstay on the Chiefs' offensive line, earning one Pro Bowl selection and two Super Bowl championships along the way.