Utah’s Smith Snowden Is Focused On Building On Last Year’s Progress
Aug 6, 2025, 12:28 PM | Updated: 12:34 pm
Smith Snowden preparing for big 2025 season for Utah football. Photo courtesy by Utah Athletics
SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah football gears up for what promises to be a defining 2025 season, Smith Snowden will play a significant role in elevating the Utes’ defense to new heights.
Coming off a solid 2024 season, Snowden is set on raising his level of play as he enters year three with the program. His work ethic, attention to detail, and leadership will all contribute to an expected leap in his game this fall.
As he and the rest of the cornerback room put the final preparations in before the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Snowden to make the leap from good to great.
Smith Snowden focused on building on last year’s progress
Reflecting on his growth, Snowden shared a clear vision for the season ahead. “I think last year was a great year to build off of, and that’s my focus, building off of last year. Meaning more takeaways, more tackles, I just want to be an all-around better player,” he said.
Snowden finished the season allowing just 41.5% of the 65 targets for completions—the fourth-lowest percentage among Big 12 cornerbacks last season. He tallied two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and six pass break-ups. Snowden also played a physical brand of ball, as he’s notched 48 tackles, four for loss, and forced a fumble.
Through film study, off-season training, and guidance from his coaches, Snowden has spent the last several months improving his footwork, ball skills, and overall mental approach to the game.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ❗ pic.twitter.com/VHXoT28nyn
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 3, 2025
“I’m focused on being more consistent, getting more turnovers, and really becoming the type of corner that can lock down any receiver. I want to be more impactful in every game,” Snowden shared.
His position coach, Sharrieff Shah, echoed a similar sentiment when asked what will be key for his “established players” (Snowden and Scooby Davis) to improve in 2025.
“Established, that is not a word I use, they’re experienced, and that helps them to be more consistent,” Shah remarked, referencing Snowden and Davis. “For Smith and Scooby, I want more from them—more consistency, more plays, better man coverage, better in their zone drops. Then, as they get better, it turns into pulling everybody else along. Stay after practice every day, and bring the new players along. I just want more.”
Practice just hits different when it’s in RES‼️🙌 #GoUtes | @Ford pic.twitter.com/KyCBWdyQf3
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 5, 2025
“You can always get better, you can always be coachable. I listen to my coach, he knows a lot,” Snowden said, acknowledging Shah’s assessment.
Shah’s demand for more reflects the high expectations set for Snowden, who has shown an eagerness to not just meet, but exceed those expectations. His attention to detail and dedication to improvement are pivotal as he looks to lead the defensive backs to greater success.
“I think it all comes down to leadership, and taking on that leadership role. This is year three for me, there are some young guys I need to bring along with me, and show them the ways.” – Smith Snowden
Snowden’s personal progression is an integral element to Utah’s outlook this season. His leadership will also be a factor, not only this season, but in the years to come, as he will set the standard for cornerback play.
Is Snowden ready for the Spotlight at Utah?
With Utah’s defense expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s success, Snowden’s ability to lock down top-tier receivers, disrupt passing lanes, and contribute to turnovers will be crucial.
Year three has become a significant thing in Utah’s cornerback room. Clark Phillips III and Jaylon Johnson made significant progress under Shah, and both took on significant and unique challenges in their third seasons. Both enjoyed successful campaigns and were eventually drafted to the next level after declaring early.
Snowden has that same sort of potential. The 2024 season laid the foundation, where he showed flashes of elite play while raising his level of consistency over time. His commitment—both to refining his individual skills and helping those around him—signals that he seems poised for a breakout season.
As Shah put it, “I just want more, it’s nice to have some boys with experience, without question, but I just want them to do more.” If Snowden continues his trajectory, the Utes’ defense will undoubtedly be one of the most formidable in the Big 12, with Snowden leading the charge in the secondary.
Snowden’s development will be significant in Utah’s coverage packages this fall. His presence on the field could allow coordinator Morgan Scalley to unleash pressure packages without fear of being exposed on the outside. He could become the sort of reliable detail that crystallizes a championship-level defense for Utah.
This is shaping up to be a pretty significant year for Snowden, who will take on a much greater role this fall. As long as he follows through, he has the potential to emerge as another early draft declaration from Utah’s cornerback room and become a notable prospect in the 2026 draft class.
