The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and UCLA defensive tackle Gary Smith III is the only player from the university projected to be drafted. According to Dane Brugler's mock draft on The Athletic, Smith is expected to be picked by the Detroit Lions with the 205th overall pick in the sixth round. This follows a difficult season for UCLA, which finished with a 3-9 record, significantly impacting the number of draftable players. Smith, who transferred from Duke University, earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2025 and is recognized for his strong presence in the trenches. Brugler describes Smith as having a wide frame and aggressive hands, making him effective at controlling the point of attack. His performance in the 2025 season included a career-high of 40 tackles. With the draft approaching, Smith's football journey is poised to advance to the next level.