Eagles’ Nolan Smith Faces Arrest for Alleged 135 mph Speeding Violation

Yet another individual connected to the Georgia football legacy has found themselves in legal trouble due to hazardous driving practices.

Nolan Smith Jr., a linebacker for the Eagles who proudly represented the Bulldogs from 2019 to 2022, was taken into custody last Friday. He faces accusations of speeding and reckless driving in Georgia, as confirmed by the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office to ESPN.

The 25-year-old Smith was allegedly recorded traveling at a staggering 135 mph in a zone with a 70 mph speed limit on the interstate around 10:41 p.m. ET, according to information provided by a sheriff’s office staff member to ESPN on Wednesday.

Following his arrest, Smith was reportedly able to post bond and was subsequently released, according to the sheriff’s office. He is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The Georgia Gazette was the first to break the news of Smith’s arrest.

Smith, 25, was selected by the Eagles — who begin organized team activities next Tuesday — in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He’s part of an Eagles defense that includes other former Bulldogs stars in Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

Smith tallied 6.5 regular-season sacks in 2024 and tallied four in the playoffs while helping the Eagles to their second Super Bowl triumph.

He’s tallied 10.5 sacks in his three seasons, including three in 12 games this past season.

The Georgia football program, which has been led by head coach Kirby Smart the past 10 years, has had problems with some of its players being irresponsible on the roadways.

• Ja’Marley Riddle, 19, was arrested on May 8 on felony charges for possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor speeding charge, a police report obtained by WGIG 98.7 FM showed. The arrest occurred after an undercover Glynn County Police officer observed the cornerback traveling nearly 100 mph and weaving in and out of traffic, and radioed for a marked unit to stop the vehicle, according to the police report.  Riddle faces felony charges of purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of marijuana, and sale of a schedule I or II controlled substance. 
• Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon were arrested on Feb. 18 on driving-related charges by Athens-Clarke County police, according to The Athletic. Per their jail log, Cole was charged with reckless driving and speeding-maximum limits, while Ikinnagbon received misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, following too closely and speeding-maximum limits. Both players were reportedly released within an hour of being booked, with Cole let go on bonds totaling $26 and Ikinnagbon’s at $39.
• In 2025, three players were arrested for reckless driving in 2025 — Nitro Tuggle, Marques Easley and Nyier Daniels. None are still with the team.
• In 2023, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting coordinator Chandler LeCroy were both killed in a high-speed crash. The incident also involved Carter, who was accused of racing LeCroy’s SUV before it crashed.