Full Breakdown
Trey Smack’s Hot Start Puts Green Bay’s Kicking Future in Focus
8/22/2026, 11:24:34 AM
Trey Smack’s Early Preseason Success
Rookie kicker Trey Smack, a sixth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2026 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, entered the 2026 preseason with a perfect field-goal record. In the opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers he converted four attempts, though a defensive penalty erased one from the official tally, leaving three counted kicks—including a 58-yard effort. The following week at Denver’s Mile High Stadium he added four more field goals—51, 59, 43 and 38 yards—making him 7-for-7 on field-goal tries and 3-for-3 on attempts beyond 50 yards. All kicks have been successful, and three of the four in Denver traveled more than 50 yards.
Background: Packers’ Search for a Reliable Kicker
The Packers have been without a long-term solution at kicker since they declined to re-sign Mason Crosby after the 2023 season. Missed field goals by Anders Carlson and Brandon McManus in recent playoff losses heightened the urgency to find a consistent specialist. Smack’s early performance arrives as the team evaluates whether he can fill the void left by Crosby’s retirement.
Performance Statistics
- Field-goal attempts: 7 (all successful)
- Longest successful kick: 59 yards (Denver)
- 50-plus-yard kicks: 3 (all made)
- Extra-point attempts: not reported in the sources
- Penalty-nullified kick: 1 (Steelers game)
These numbers place Smack among the most accurate newcomers in recent Packers history and suggest he could become a “true offensive weapon,” as described by local observers.
Upcoming Altitude Test in Denver
The Packers’ second preseason contest will be played at altitude in Denver, the same venue where GM Brian Gutekunst’s earlier drafted kicker Anders Carlson recorded his first career miss. Smack says he has experience kicking at higher elevations, recalling a practice session in Utah:
Safety Xavier McKinney, who shares a locker with Smack, emphasizes a simple mantra:
- “Just make the kick. Simple as that. That’s what he told us,” — Trey Smack, veteran
McKinney adds personal encouragement:
Smack acknowledges McKinney’s mentorship:
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that Green Bay will give its healthy starters two drives in the Denver game, after which the starters will sit for the preseason finale the following week. The organization’s front office, led by GM Brian Gutekunst, is expected to use the altitude test to gauge Smack’s consistency under varied conditions before finalizing the 53-man roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just make the kick. Simple as that. That’s what he told us,” — Trey Smack, veteran
Why It Matters
Securing a dependable kicker is critical for the Packers, whose recent playoff exits were partially attributed to missed field goals. Smack’s early accuracy could solidify his role, influence roster decisions at the kicker position, and provide the special-teams stability the team has lacked since Crosby’s departure.
What’s Next
The Packers will face the Denver Broncos in their second preseason game at Mile High Stadium later this week. The outcome of Smack’s altitude performance will be a key factor as the team approaches the league-wide 53-man roster deadline.
