Brandon Smith, a junior college running back who announced his commitment to Oregon State in early June, won’t be attending college anytime soon after he was recently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reports.
Smith was one of four people arrested after a June 2 incident.
He never officially signed with the Beavers and ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg has been told that Smith will not be part of the program.
“Hours after Smith announced his commitment on social media, Santa Barbara County sheriff’s detectives responded to a report of a fight near a community pool. Upon arrival, they found a 20-year-old man seriously injured. All four suspects were arrested on June 7 on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, and conspiracy. The sheriff’s deputies believe the victim and the suspects knew each other.”
Smith is reportedly being held in jail on a $2 million bond.
Smith most recently played football at Santa Barbara College, where he ran for 1,231 yards and 16 touchdowns on 181 carries during the 2022 season. He averaged 6.8 yards per attempt. He also caught 11 passes for 130 yards and an additional score.
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Oregon State initially tabbed Smith as a potential replacement for former all-purpose back Trey Lowe, who medically retired from football earlier in the offseason.
Per Rivals, he also received offers from a group of schools including Nevada, Florida International, Fresno State, and Hawaii.
Now Smith faces an uncertain future in his college career and with his freedom.
