LAGRANGE, Ga. – Junior linebacker Ched Smith (Macon, Ga.) of the LaGrange College football team has been named the USA South Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending October 18, 2026 in an announcement by the conference on Monday.

The Macon, Georgia junior linebacker collected 12 total tackles including 3.5 for a loss in a 21-10 win at USA South rival Brevard last week. Smith made nine solo tackles, including three for a loss with a sack, to go along with three assisted take downs. Behind his leadership and efforts, the Panthers held the Tornados to a season-low 111 rushing while tallying three interceptions.

Smith becomes the third Panther of the season to earn USA South DPOTW honors, joining junior defensive back Messiah Scandrett (Atlanta, Ga.) and sophomore defensive end Zymarion Hudson (Cordele, Ga.).

The Panthers of LaGrange (5-1, 3-0 USA South) host Greensboro College on Saturday as part of Homecoming weekend. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Callaway Stadium.

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