Utah Defensive Back Earns National Recognition For Week 1
Sep 3, 2025, 11:02 AM | Updated: 11:41 am
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 30: Smith Snowden #2 of the Utah Utes rushes for a touchdown during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah football’s Smith Snowden is listed as a defensive back on his bio, but you wouldn’t know that by watching his performance in a 43-10 win at UCLA in the Rose Bowl.
Snowden played 22 snaps each on offense and defense, while adding three special teams snaps for an all-around impact.
The outing earned Snowden recognition as the Paul Hornung National Player of the Week for week one.
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🏈 Week 1 Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll 🏈
⭐ Smith Snowden, Utah – Player of the Week
👏 Jonah Coleman, UW | Quinton Jackson, Rice | Cam Ross, UVAFour conferences. Four versatile playmakers. 🌟
🗳 Vote daily: https://t.co/ypukDy0sW6#PaulHornungAward #TexasRoadhouse pic.twitter.com/aN4r308MYp
— Paul Hornung Award (@hornungaward) September 3, 2025
The former Skyridge Falcon scored Utah’s second touchdown with an eight-yard, tackle-busting run. He added a team-high six catches for 51 yards.
Snowden recorded one tackle after starting the game at corner.
Ain't no problem for these Utes playing both sides of the ball😤
Taking you back to Saturday where BOTH Utah defenders Smith Snowden & Lander Barton snag themselves a score vs. UCLA#Big12FB | @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/9hS2LgvLkl
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) September 3, 2025
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. The award was created by the LSC in 2010 with the support of Hornung, considered by many to be the most versatile player in the history of college and professional football.
Colorado’s Travis Hunter won the award in 2024.
About Utah’s Smith Snowden
Snowden is a junior defensive back from Lehi, Utah.
After a standout prep career, Snowden chose to attend the University of Utah. He joined the Utes as a four-star prospect and the third-best recruit in the state of Utah, according to 247 Sports.
Announcers Connor Onion and Mark Helfrich like the game — and name — of Utah’s Smith Snowden.pic.twitter.com/EKJeTL82LT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 31, 2025
In his first season on the hill, Snowden recorded seven total tackles and one solo tackle in 11 games played.
Last year, as a sophomore, Snowden burst onto the scene in the Big 12. He finished the season with 48 total tackles (34 solo), four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and two interceptions.
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