Smith attended Sandy Creek High School, where in his senior year the team made a state championship appearance.

A five star prospect ranked the nation's number seven overall recruit, he committed to Auburn University to play college basketball.

As a freshman at Auburn, Smith helped the team achieve their first ever AP poll number one ranking and an SEC regular season championship.

[2] At the age of 15, Smith would join the Atlanta Celtics on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit, coached by the father of star Auburn point guard Jared Harper.

[6][7][8] Smith was selected to the rosters for the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit and finished as a runner up for Mr. Basketball USA.

[14] Smith emerged as a leader in preseason practice with coach Bruce Pearl describing him as "the hardest working player on the team.

[15] On January 11, 2022, on the road against fierce rival Alabama Smith scored a then career-high 25 points to help the Tigers avoid an upset in an 81–77 victory.

[17] As a freshman, he averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and two assists per game while helping lead the Tigers to an SEC regular season championship and the programs first ever #1 ranking in the AP poll.

[18] In his NCAA Tournament debut against Jacksonville State, Smith recorded his 6th double-double of the season scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

[31] On October 2, 2022, Smith made his preseason debut, scoring 21 points with 5-of-8 shooting from three along with eight rebounds and two assists in a 134–96 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

[32][33][34] On October 19, Smith made his regular season debut, scoring 17 points along with seven rebounds and an assist in a 117–107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

[40] On March 14, Smith scored 24 points by shooting 83.8 percent from the field with 5 threes made and 11 rebounds in a game win against the Boston Celtics.

On defense, he is mobile on the perimeter and physical inside, making him a candidate to defend big men but also switch comfortably onto guards.

Many sources and scouts have compared his play making style to other big men such as Rashard Lewis, Chris Bosh, Michael Porter Jr. and Kevin Durant.