Houston quarterback Donovan Smith on the rise heading into 2024

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith’s college football journey could very well end with his name being called in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Smith was included in a list of 2025 NFL quarterback prospects from Bleacher Report following his first season as a full-time starter in 2023. While Houston struggled to a 4-8 record that led to the firing of head coach Dana Holgorsen, Smith showed signs of star potential and now has a new head coach in Willie Fritz.

From Bleacher Report: “Donovan Smith is the kind of promising quarterback everyone wants to see good. The tools are a siren song.
Houston’s point guard stands out for his size, standing at 6’4″ and 260 pounds. His build is both sturdy and slender. His athletic frame allows him to move surprisingly fluidly for a player his size. Despite his massive bulk, he moves in and around the pocket with relative ease. He also has good flexibility when it comes to throwing from difficult platforms. Smith’s arm talent is also present. He doesn’t quite have the power of quarterbacks of similar stature, but there isn’t a throw on the field he can’t make.

Smith spent the first three seasons of his college career at Texas Tech. He threw for 2,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while rushing for 428 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games in 2023.

Houston opens the season Aug. 31 at home against UNLV.

.@UHCougarFB HC Dana Holgorsen:

“Donovan Smith, that was an unbelievable play, unbelievable pass. That kid is becoming a really good player.”

“What a scene, happy for our fans, happy for our students…”pic.twitter.com/HuJgzD9wPk

— Maanav Gupta (@MGSportsTalk) October 13, 2023