At the end of his competitive career, Smith had won more World and Olympic gold medals in wrestling than any other American.

Smith was widely known for his low single leg takedown,[2][3] and is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time.

After losing in the 1985 finals to future US House representative Jim Jordan, he finished his college career with 90 consecutive victories.

Smith's youngest brother, Mark, was also a successful NCAA Division I wrestler, having placed in the top five nationally three times.

His son, Joe Smith, earned NCAA All-American honors twice while wrestling at Oklahoma State under his coaching.