ESPN analyst refers to standout former Vol Trey Smith as ‘backup’ ahead of Super Bowl 59

ESPN analyst and former linebacker Bart Scott said on Get Up this weekend that he likes the matchup between Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter and Kansas City Chiefs “backup” Trey Smith in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

The problem? The former Tennessee All-American lineman has started all 19 games for Kansas City this season. And he was selected as a Pro Bowler.

Now, it’s possible that Scott got his names confused. He also mentioned Mike Caliendo, an undrafted free agent who has started in 5 of his last 6 appearances at left guard as Kansas City has shuffled its offensive line and kicked Joe Thuney out to left tackle.

But when Get Up host Mike Greenberg tried to save his partner by adding that Smith was a “veritable giant of a man,” Scott responded rather dismissively.

“What’s a goon to a goblin, though?” he said.

Smith and teammate Creed Humphrey enter into Super Bowl Sunday with the most pass-blocking snaps played by any NFL offensive lineman without allowing a sack, per PFF. Sixty-three NFL linemen have played at least 600 snaps as a pass-blocker this season, according to PFF; Smith is 1 of just 6 who have not allowed a sack.

And he has been a consistently effective blocker for Kansas City across his 4 years in the league. In more than 3,200 pass-blocking reps, Smith has allowed just 9 sacks. He has played at least 1,230 snaps in each of his 4 years with the organization.

As expected, Scott’s slight didn’t go over well on social media, with more than a few calling him out for the fact error.

Smith and the Chiefs take on the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Kansas City is seeking an unprecedented 3-peat.

In-state 4-star CB high on Tennessee will announce college decision Feb. 17

Soon enough, Tennessee Vols football fans will find out if a top cornerback target will end up committing to head man Josh Heupel. Things are already cooking for the 2026 class, but is more good news on the way later this month?

On Feb. 17, 4-star cornerback Justin Hopkins is all set to announce his college decision. According to On3, the 5-11, 170-pounder is down to Tennessee, Georgia Tech, USC and Minnesota. With Hopkins being a Nashville product, the hope is that Heupel will be able to keep the in-state playmaker home. Will it end up being Tennessee for him or will another squad land his verbal?

4-star Tennessee target Justin Hokpins will announce his decision on Feb. 17

Hopkins is no stranger to Knoxville, as he has taken several unofficial visits to campus. This included him heading to town in the fall to watch Tennessee take down Alabama in thrilling fashion. With spring ball around the corner too, the expectation is that Hopkins will be back on campus.