Tykee Smith Breaks Out as Defensive Force for Buccaneers in 2025
When Tykee Smith, a 24‑year‑old safety, stepped onto the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this September, few could have predicted the impact he’d have by week seven.
Coach Todd Bowles has been quick to point out that Smith’s rise isn’t a flash‑in‑the‑pan story. The Buccaneers’ president and CEO, Jason Licht, even likened his work ethic to that of a veteran linebacker, saying the rookie’s "dedication to film and reps" is what separates good from great.
Early Career and Draft Background
Smith’s football journey began in the deep South, where he suited up for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. A three‑year starter, he logged 245 tackles, six interceptions and helped the Bulldogs win the 2022 SEC Championship. The Buccaneers selected him with the 89th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping his versatility at nickel safety would translate to the pro level.
2025 Season: Stat Line and Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
Through seven games, Smith has compiled 58 total tackles, two sacks and a handful of forced turnovers. RotoWire’s September 2025 report shows a steady upward trajectory—starting with a modest 11‑tackle debut on September 7 against an unnamed opponent, then a 6‑tackle, 1‑sack effort on September 15 in a Monday‑night thriller.
- Sept 7: 11 tackles (7 solo) vs. unknown foe – 23‑20 win
- Sept 15: 6 tackles (4 solo) + 1 sack – 20‑19 victory
- Sept 21: 7 tackles (4 solo) – 29‑27 defeat
- Sept 28: 9 tackles (5 solo) + 0.5 sack – 31‑25 win
What’s striking is how each outing adds a new skill to his résumé: a sack on September 15, a fumble recovery at Lumen Field on September 21, and a clutch interception the following week.
Breakout Performance in Week 7 vs. Detroit Lions
Monday night at Ford Field, Smith logged a season‑high 13 tackles (eight solo) and added a sack that sent Jared Goff spiraling for a nine‑yard loss. The tackle came late in the second quarter and was immediately followed by a Buccaneers interception, shifting momentum in Tampa Bay’s favor.
ESPN’s game‑log confirms the sack was Smith’s first of the season, while NFL.com video highlights show his burst off the edge, echoing the type of play the coaching staff had touted for months. After the game, Bowles praised the safety’s “instincts and hustle,” noting that the play exemplified why Smith is now considered a viable IDP (Individual Defensive Player) asset.
Coaching Staff’s Take on Smith’s Development
In a September interview with YouTube channel Slice, Smith said, "I just think perseverance… injuries and a year without playing… people saw I was locked in." Bowles echoed that sentiment, explaining that the Buccaneers value character as much as raw talent. "Our ‘I am that man’ philosophy isn’t just a slogan," Licht added. "We look for guys who bounce back, and Tykee has done exactly that."
The staff also highlighted his ability to read offensive formations, a skill he honed at Georgia under defensive coordinator Dan Lanning. By week 9, the Buccaneers’ official site noted that Smith became the third rookie since 2022 to post double‑digit tackles in a single game, a stat that underscores his rapid ascent.
Injury History and Future Availability
Smith’s path hasn’t been smooth. A hamstring strain in the 2023 preseason sidelined him for a full year, and a lingering ankle issue resurfaced in early October 2025. ESPN currently lists him as QUESTIONABLE for the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers’ medical staff remains optimistic; the player has completed a full rehab protocol and is participating in 80‑percent practice drills.
Should he stay healthy, the defensive coordinator has hinted that Smith could see more snaps in nickel and dime packages, potentially challenging veteran safety Jordan Whitehead for the starting spot.
What This Means for Tampa Bay’s Defense
The Buccaneers sit third in the NFC South in points allowed per game, trailing only the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. Adding a playmaker like Smith provides depth that could be the difference in tight divisional battles. Analysts at RotoWire argue that if Smith continues his current pace, his fantasy‑football value could jump from a modest bench slot to a weekly starter by season’s end.
Beyond the numbers, his emergence signals a broader shift in Tampa Bay’s roster philosophy: moving away from big‑name free agents toward home‑grown talent with high upside. The club’s recent draft strategy—targeting players with strong character metrics—appears to be paying dividends.
Key Facts
- Age: 24 (born Feb 18, 2001)
- Position: Safety, jersey #23
- College: University of Georgia (SEC champion 2022)
- 2025 stats (7 games): 58 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
- Week 7 highlight: 13 tackles, 1 sack vs. Detroit Lions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tykee Smith’s performance affect the Buccaneers’ secondary?
Smith’s ability to generate tackles in the open field gives Tampa Bay a more aggressive safety pool. His presence forces opponents to account for an extra blitzer, which opens up coverage options for cornerbacks and frees up veteran safeties to focus on deep zones.
What injuries has Smith dealt with, and is he expected to play the rest of the season?
He missed the entire 2023 season with a hamstring strain and returned in 2024 after rehab. A minor ankle complaint resurfaced in October 2025, placing him on the QUESTIONABLE list. Team physicians say the injury is not serious and project he’ll be active for the majority of the remaining games.
Who are the key coaching figures influencing Smith’s development?
Head coach Todd Bowles oversees the overall defensive scheme, while defensive coordinator Gus Bradley tailors Smith’s role in nickel packages. President/CEO Jason Licht has publicly praised his work ethic and character, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to his growth.
What does Smith’s breakout say about the Buccaneers’ draft strategy?
The rise of a third‑round pick like Smith validates Tampa Bay’s focus on drafting players with strong intangible traits. It shows that the team’s “character‑first” approach can yield on‑field contributors sooner than many expected.
Can Smith sustain his performance against top‑tier offenses?
Analysts note that his tackling numbers have held steady against both division rivals and stronger passing teams like the Seattle Seahawks. If he stays healthy, his blend of speed and play recognition should allow him to remain effective even when matched against elite quarterbacks.