Jackson Smith’s College Hockey Rise | Columbus Blue Jackets News

Jackson Smith, the 14th overall pick in 2025, thrived as a freshman defenseman at Penn State, turning independence into maturity and dominating the NCAA with 11 goals and 25 points—tied for top freshman defensemen honors. He embraced the grind of student-athlete life, mastering self-reliance in dorms and balancing academics, social life, and elite hockey. While proud of his offensive flair, Smith knows he must sharpen his defensive IQ to become a complete two-way player. With NHL dreams in sight, he’s eager to return to Penn State for his sophomore season, fueled by the intensity of college competition and unforgettable moments like the 75K crowd outdoor game. He’s never looked back—college hockey is where he’s found his true growth.

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