Smith Named To Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List
7/18/2026 12:08:00 AM | Football
MACON – Senior Brayden Smith picked up the first of what is likely to be numerous preseason accolades on Wednesday when the Macon native was included as one of 30 players named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Walter Payton Award which is presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.
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Smith, an electric wide receiver and return specialist for the Bears, joined Texas Tech senior MJ Flowers as one of just two Southern Conference representatives in the announcement. It is the second time in four seasons that a Mercer standout has adorned the preseason watch list.
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A two-time All-SoCon selection, Smith has amassed more than 2,900 all-purpose yards through his first three campaigns in the Orange & Black, including a 2025 season that watched him account for 1,262 all-purpose yards. Smith hauled in a team-best 60 catches for 712 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while also ranking 21st among FCS return specialists with 554 kick return yards.
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He turned in four or more catches in 10 outings, including season-highs for both receptions (9) and receiving yards against VMI. He combined for 134 kick return yards (87 punt/47 kickoff) in the season opener with Presbyterian, including 31- and 32-yard kickoff returns.
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Smith and the Bears will open the 2026 season on August 29 when the squad bunkers down to take on Southland Conference foe East Texas A&M in the ninth annual FCS Kickoff at Five Star Stadium. Reserved seat and general admission tickets for the ninth edition of the annual event begin at $20 and can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.
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The FCS Kickoff, which will be played away from the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., for the first time since its inception in 2016, is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. in front of an ESPN nationally-televised audience.
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Smith, an electric wide receiver and return specialist for the Bears, joined Texas Tech senior MJ Flowers as one of just two Southern Conference representatives in the announcement. It is the second time in four seasons that a Mercer standout has adorned the preseason watch list.
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A two-time All-SoCon selection, Smith has amassed more than 2,900 all-purpose yards through his first three campaigns in the Orange & Black, including a 2025 season that watched him account for 1,262 all-purpose yards. Smith hauled in a team-best 60 catches for 712 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while also ranking 21st among FCS return specialists with 554 kick return yards.
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He turned in four or more catches in 10 outings, including season-highs for both receptions (9) and receiving yards against VMI. He combined for 134 kick return yards (87 punt/47 kickoff) in the season opener with Presbyterian, including 31- and 32-yard kickoff returns.
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Smith and the Bears will open the 2026 season on August 29 when the squad bunkers down to take on Southland Conference foe East Texas A&M in the ninth annual FCS Kickoff at Five Star Stadium. Reserved seat and general admission tickets for the ninth edition of the annual event begin at $20 and can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.
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The FCS Kickoff, which will be played away from the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., for the first time since its inception in 2016, is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. in front of an ESPN nationally-televised audience.
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