Keith Smith Has Committed to Jackson State

The IMG Academy running back announced he will join the Jackson State football program in 2027.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football

Keith Smith Has Committed to Jackson State

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IMG Academy standout Keith Smith has announced his commitment to play football at Jackson State University. The running back and special teams player shared his decision on Instagram.

Why it matters

Smith brings significant offensive experience to Jackson State, coming off a standout season where he totaled 1,739 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns.

Smith recorded 1,739 all-purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns last season. This current season, he has logged 171 rushing yards and a 91-yard kickoff return while helping lead IMG Academy to a 5-0 record.

The players

Keith Smith

He is an IMG Academy football player who serves as a running back and special teams specialist.

Jackson State University

This is a public historically black research university located in Jackson, Mississippi.

IMG Academy

Located in Bradenton, Florida, it is a private boarding school and athletic training facility for youth and student-athletes.

The St. James Academy

This is a private school located in Springfield, Virginia, with an athletic program that competes against teams like IMG Academy.

The details

Smith currently competes as a running back and special teams contributor for Bradenton-based IMG Academy. He announced his intent to transition to the collegiate level following his 2027 graduation.

IMG Academy finished with a 10-0 record in 2025.
Keith Smith announced his college commitment on September 30, 2026.
IMG Academy plays The St. James Academy on October 3, 2026.
Keith Smith begins his college football career in 2027.

The Big Picture

The commitment follows the standard pattern of top-tier talent graduating from the IMG Academy football program to pursue collegiate play. This move reinforces the school's historical role as a primary talent pipeline for major college athletic programs.

Smith's departure means IMG Academy will need to adjust its backfield rotation and special teams depth following his 2027 graduation. The immediate focus for the team remains their upcoming October 3, 2026, matchup against The St. James Academy.

The takeaway

Student-athletes can utilize social media platforms like Instagram to formalize and share their recruitment decisions with the public. This announcement marks a definitive step in the multi-year trajectory from high school competition to the collegiate stage.