Chau Smith-Wade
Career Summary
Chau Smith-Wade played defensive back at Washington State.
His college career followed a two-way high school career at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
High School
Smith-Wade earned first-team All-Public League recognition as a running back.
He rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the Public League championship victory and received honorable mention all-state recognition as a defensive back.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
College Career
Smith-Wade recorded 43 tackles and two interceptions in 2022.
He added eight pass breakups and three forced fumbles, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. He started seven games and recorded six pass breakups in 2023.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Path to the NFL
Carolina drafted Smith-Wade in 2024.
The Panthers selected him in the fifth round with the 157th overall pick.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
30267, 00-0039380, 2002-09-17, Chau Smith-Wade, Chau, Smith-Wade
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 71.2
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.