‘I Committed Two Weeks Before Signing — Nobody Knew’: Champ Smith Digs Deep on Recruiting Process, Off-Field Life

By Zeno Jo - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 18, 2026

CHAMPAIGN – He’s larger than life. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Micah “Champ” Smith is one of those guys who fits the “big man on campus” stereotype of a highly-rated football recruit. Not too long ago, though, that could have been a different campus.

Smith, a four-star recruit hailing from Fort Pierce, Florida, had been committed to UCLA since last summer, but reopened his recruitment after the Bruins parted ways with head coach DeShaun Foster.

"It was a difficult process for me and my family,” Smith said. “Coach . . .

 

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