The Bay Area Panthers are adding another talented playmaker for the 2025 campaign in BK Smith Jr. A 5-foot-10 wide receiver with explosive speed and soft hands, Smith is eager to join the Indoor Football League.
Smith played collegiately at Eastern Kentucky University (2017-2019) followed by Georgia’s Valdosta State University (2022-23).
At Valdosta State, Smith was a graduate transfer and one of the strongest performers on the football team. Over two seasons starring for the Blazers (25 games), Smith produced 112 catches for 1,734 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2023, he earned First-Team All-Gulf South Conference accolades while being named Second-Team All-Region. That same year, he ranked 12th in yardage amongst all Division-II receivers.
Prior to arriving in Valdosta, Smith played three seasons for the EKU Colonels. He saw action in 28 total contests for Eastern Kentucky, posting 51 receptions for 538 yards. His strongest campaign in Bowling Green was 2018—Smith appeared in 11 games and showcased a 10.6 yard-per-reception clip with a long of 42. He graduated with a degree in Sports Management in 2021.
Like many top athletes before him, Smith originally hails from Kentucky’s most prominent city: Louisville. He played prep football at Male High School on the town’s Southside wherein he dazzled on both sides of the ball.
Smith shined as a wideout and defensive back for the Bulldogs. He was particularly dominant as a senior in 2016. He gave a memorable showing (eight catches for 175 yards and one score) against rival Manuel High School; the Louisville Courier-Journal awarded Smith with Player of the Week honors. He eventually played in Kentucky’s East vs. West All-Star game and was named Offensive MVP.
With Smith coming to Bay Area, Panthers Head Coach Rob Keefe is excited to work with him. “BK is a smooth receiver with high-level body control and displays polish as a route runner, (...) tracks the long ball effectively, has a variety of releases off the line and catches the ball in traffic with confidence,” raved Coach Keefe.
Look for Smith buzzing around San Jose’s SAP Center; he has the ability to be an impact player as an IFL rookie.
