Abram Smith Bio
Abram Smith (born September 14, 1998) is an American football running back for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Baylor University, where he developed into one of the most productive rushers in program history. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Smith began his professional career with the New Orleans Saints before finding his stride in the spring football ranks. He has since become a leading figure in the UFL, earning All-XFL honors and winning a league championship.
Standing 5 ft 11 in and listed at 230 lb, Smith is a compact, powerful back known for his durability and between-the-tackles running. His career has carried him from high school stardom in Texas to the highest level of collegiate play and into a professional journey spanning the NFL and spring football.
Early Life and Background
Abram Smith was born on September 14, 1998, in Abilene, Texas. He grew up in the same West Texas city where he would later become a local legend on the football field. Smith attended Abilene High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the most productive running backs in school history.
During his high school career, Smith rushed for a school record 4,955 yards and 77 touchdowns, numbers that made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the region. His performance at Abilene drew attention from multiple college programs, and he originally committed to play college football at the University of Tulsa before changing his commitment to Baylor University.
Path to American Football
Smith’s path to American football began in earnest in Abilene, where his high school production earned him a scholarship offer from Baylor. He joined the Baylor Bears in 2017, taking a medical redshirt in his first year on campus. Over the next several seasons, he worked his way into the rotation, appearing in six games in 2018 and playing in all 14 games as a sophomore in 2019.
In 2020, Smith moved from running back to linebacker in a role switch aimed at getting him on the field in a different capacity. He finished that season with 48 tackles and one sack, showing his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever the team needed him. The following year, Smith moved back to running back, where he would eventually break out as one of the top rushers in the Big 12 Conference.
Abram Smith Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Smith’s collegiate career at Baylor spanned five seasons from 2017 through 2021. After his redshirt year, he spent time as a complementary runner and a linebacker before settling in as a featured back. His senior season in 2021 marked the clearest sign of his potential, as he was named the starting running back for the Bears.
That year, Smith helped lead Baylor to a school record 12–2 season, capped with a 2021 Big 12 Championship Game title and a victory in the 2022 Sugar Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels. During the Sugar Bowl, he rushed for 172 yards on 25 carries, a performance that broke the Baylor single-season rushing record with 1,601 yards, surpassing the mark previously held by Terrance Ganaway. Smith was named second-team All-Big 12 and a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award in 2021.
New Orleans Saints (2022)
Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2022. He competed for a roster spot throughout the offseason and into training camp, working to translate his college production into an NFL opportunity. The Saints waived him on August 28, 2022, ending his first NFL stint.
DC Defenders First Stint (2023)
Smith was selected with the 1st overall pick in the 2023 XFL draft during the first phase (Skill Players) of the draft by the DC Defenders. He quickly became the centerpiece of the Defenders’ backfield, rushing for 788 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2023 XFL season. His production earned him a place on the 2023 All-XFL team, and he was recognized as the XFL rushing yards leader for the year.
Smith was also a co-leader in XFL rushing touchdowns in 2023, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most productive backs. He was released from his contract on August 3, 2023, opening the door for a brief return to the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings (2023)
On August 4, 2023, Smith signed with the Minnesota Vikings in hopes of earning a roster spot. He participated in the team’s training camp and preseason preparations. The Vikings waived him on August 28, 2023, ending his second NFL stint.
DC Defenders Second Stint (2023–Present)
On October 19, 2023, Smith re-signed with the DC Defenders, returning to the spring football league where he had built his reputation. He continued to serve as a primary running back for the franchise. On March 14, 2024, Smith was placed on injured reserve due to an ACL injury, a setback that interrupted his momentum.
Despite the injury, Smith remained with the Defenders organization and worked toward a return. The DC Defenders went on to capture the 2025 UFL championship, with Smith listed as part of the active roster. He continues to be associated with the franchise as it operates in the UFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
Smith is best known as a physical, between-the-tackles runner who can carry a heavy workload. His compact frame and listed weight of 230 lb allow him to absorb contact and finish runs, while his track record of high-volume rushing at Baylor and in the XFL suggests strong durability. He has demonstrated the ability to break long runs when the blocking is there, as evidenced by his 172-yard Sugar Bowl performance, and he has shown the discipline to handle short-yardage and goal-line duties.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of Smith’s career came during the 2022 Sugar Bowl, when his 172-yard rushing performance helped set the Baylor single-season rushing record. Being selected as the 1st overall pick in the 2023 XFL draft stands as another milestone, and his All-XFL selection and XFL rushing yards title in 2023 cemented his place in the league’s history. The 2025 UFL championship with the DC Defenders represents the pinnacle of his professional achievements to date.
Abram Smith Career Wins
Smith’s professional résumé features league-wide recognition and a championship at the top spring football level. In 2023, he was named to the All-XFL team and led the XFL in rushing yards, while also sharing the league lead in rushing touchdowns. In 2025, he was part of the DC Defenders team that won the UFL championship.
XFL/UFL Highlights
Smith’s 2023 XFL campaign produced 788 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, numbers that placed him at the top of the league in rushing yards. He followed that with continued production for the DC Defenders in subsequent seasons, culminating in a 2025 UFL championship. His All-XFL selection in 2023 remains the clearest individual honor of his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, Smith was part of Baylor’s 2021 Big 12 Championship Game title team and the 2022 Sugar Bowl-winning squad. He was also named second-team All-Big 12 in 2021 and was a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award that same year, recognizing his impact both on the field and as a Texas-rooted player.
Abram Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Smith’s family background is rooted in Abilene, Texas, where he grew up and played his high school football. Public information about his parents and extended family is limited, and no further details have been widely confirmed.
Personal Life
Smith was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, and continues to be associated with the city as the place where his football journey began. Public details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not widely confirmed, and these areas are kept private.
2025 Season Performance
Smith’s 2025 season was defined by his continued role with the DC Defenders and the team’s run to the UFL championship. After spending time on injured reserve earlier in his tenure with the Defenders, he worked his way back into the lineup and contributed to a campaign that ended with the franchise lifting the league title. The 2025 UFL championship is the headline result of his season.
Throughout the year, Smith remained a key piece of the Defenders’ offensive backfield, offering a physical presence between the tackles. His experience as a former XFL rushing leader gave the team a proven option in short-yardage and clock-management situations, helping stabilize the ground game during the season.
Looking ahead, Smith is expected to continue as part of the DC Defenders’ active roster. With a championship already secured and his health trending in a positive direction, his role within the UFL’s most established spring football franchise appears set to continue.