Ainias Smith '22
“Subzero” sparks a return for a super senior season of Aggie Football
By Kiri Stanford '14
On the field, Ainias Smith is a force of nature. His presence is like a spark that ignites the Aggie spirit, and his decision to return for a fifth season with Texas A&M Football was nothing short of electrifying. It is not just about his extraordinary talent — it is the heart and soul he pours into every moment.
Would Have, Could Have, Should Have
Smith faced a monumental decision in choosing to return for his “super senior” season. In 2022, when he suffered a gut-wrenching leg injury while throwing a block downfield against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium, Aggie fans felt the collective ache. He was not just a versatile player — he was the embodiment of the Aggie spirit. He was selfless, determined and always willing to give his all for the team.
One of the most dynamic athletes in Aggie Football history, Smith's decision to return in 2023 was not a choice made lightly. It was a result of intricate desires converging into a singular, powerful decision. The stars aligned in a way that favored his health.
“Even though I was healing quickly, I knew that I would not be prepared in the way I would want to be for the NFL Combine,” Smith said. “The combine is really the only chance you get to impress those guys, and I wanted to be able to put my best self forward.”
Excellence was the only option.
"The fans here are next level. Their support means the world to me, and I knew I wanted to come play in front of them again."
The prospect of showcasing himself in his prime, combined with the thought of completing what he had started in the 2022 season, propelled Smith's desire to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his Aggie teammates once more.
“I think a big part,” said Smith, “other than the timeline not lining up, was just wanting to get back with these guys.”
The desire to further his education added another strong argument in favor of Smith's return. In December 2022, Smith earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M in university studies and then embraced the opportunity to pursue his master's in recreation, parks and tourism sciences.
Of course, the fact that Aggie fans also really wanted to see him in maroon again did not hurt, either.
“The fans here are next level,” Smith said. “Their support means the world to me, and I knew I wanted to come play in front of them again.”
While other options were on the table — NFL and transferring to name two — Smith ultimately chose to follow his heart. The chance to transfer was not foreign to him, given his older brother Maurice's pivotal role in shaping college football's transfer portal.
“People don't realize I am the younger brother of the guy who helped make some of these transfer rules,” Smith said with a chuckle. “A lot of guys look at transferring, but they don't realize the grass is not going to be greener on the other side.”
For Smith, returning to Aggieland was the only answer. He wanted to find out what could have happened and leave it all on the field.
Seniority in Many Ways
Smith knows he brings a wealth of value to his team in more ways than just his football skills. His confidence, honed through experiences both triumphant and challenging, emanates from him.
“Having my experience, I am able to see things before they happen and make adjustments on the field accordingly,” he shared. “I am comfortable under the lights and playing out there. I am not nervous, especially at home, playing while all our fans are yelling.”
His leadership is a quiet but potent force, steering the team with a steady hand. Most importantly, he feels at home on the field, a comfort that translates into remarkable moments that ignite the 12th Man.
During his time at Texas A&M, Smith has not just made plays — he has lifted his teammates' spirits with encouraging words and pats on the back. The glue of the program, he finds joy in his teammates' success and has been there for every high and every low.
More Than a Comeback
The offseason was not a break for Smith — it was an opportunity to rebuild. He poured effort into rehabilitating his ankle, inching his way back to full strength. His days were filled with rehab sessions, team workouts, extra training and daily ankle maintenance — each second spent in pursuit of excellence.
Then, on Sept. 30, 2023, one year and six days after the demoralizing injury that prematurely ended his senior season, Smith enjoyed a moment of redemption at AT&T Stadium.
The Aggies were leading Arkansas by 11 points with under 8 minutes remaining in the game when Smith raced backwards to A&M's 18 yard line to field a Razorback punt. Fifteen seconds of “Subzero” brilliance later, Smith was celebrating with his teammates and Aggie fans in the endzone following a jaw-dropping, 82-yard return for his first touchdown of the season.
Smith recorded a career-high 202 all-purpose yards in his redemption game and earned Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors after helping lead the Aggies to a 34-22 win.
“It was a breath of relief,” said Smith following the game. “Just to be able to come in, do what I did, it was great. I was just grateful to God.”
Smith's return to Aggieland symbolizes more than a comeback — it is a beacon of hope. His versatility, leadership and sheer determination will undoubtedly leave a legacy that will impact Aggie Football for years to come.