NC State running back Hollywood Smothers emerged as one of the ACC’s most dynamic playmakers during the closing stretch of last season. In his first year with the Wolfpack, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Smothers racked up 571 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 89 carries, while also hauling in 19 receptions for 263 yards and two scores. Now, heading into the 2025 season, expectations are sky-high as he’s poised to be among the top backs in the conference.
Smothers’ impressive performance has earned him widespread recognition this offseason. The latest accolade came Tuesday when the Charlotte native was named to the 2025 Doak Walker Award Watch List, an honor given annually to the nation’s best running back. Last week, Smothers was also named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, which recognizes college football’s most versatile player.
The Doak Walker Award, curated by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum, will announce its 10 semifinalists in November, with three finalists selected later that month by the award’s National Selection Committee. The winner will be revealed on December 12, 2025, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.
Smothers’ football journey began at Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High School, where he became a star early. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,206 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning North Carolina High School Player of the Year honors from both the Charlotte Observer and News & Observer in May 2021. He followed that up with 1,581 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior, leading Chambers to a state championship appearance. Smothers later transferred to West Charlotte High School for his senior year but was sidelined due to eligibility issues.
On the recruiting trail, Smothers was a coveted prospect, collecting over 30 scholarship offers, including from heavyweights like Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and NC State. He ultimately committed to Oklahoma in the summer of 2022.
Smothers enrolled early at Oklahoma in January 2023 and saw limited action that fall, appearing in four games and recording 11 carries for 42 yards, along with a one-yard reception. On December 3, 2023, Smothers entered the transfer portal. Just over a month later, on January 9, 2024, he committed to NC State, joining the Wolfpack with immediate eligibility.
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