Micah Smith—better known as “Champ” to his teammates and coaches—is a name that’s starting to buzz louder every day in the world of high school football. This kid from Vero Beach High School in Fort Pierce, Florida, isn’t just another big guy on the line. At 6-foot-5.5 and a solid 305 pounds, he’s a mountain of a junior who’s already turning heads and racking up offers from the biggest names in college football. As of March 23, 2025, his story is one of grit, talent, and a whole lot of potential. Let’s dive into who Micah is, what he brings to the game, and why every top program in the country is fighting to call him theirs.

The Kid from Vero Beach

Micah grew up in Fort Pierce, a place that’s no stranger to sending football talent to the big leagues. Vero Beach High School has been his home turf, and he’s already a local legend there. Picture this: a 17-year-old who looks like he was built to move mountains, with arms long enough to keep defenders at bay and a frame that screams “future NFL.” But it’s not just his size that stands out—Micah’s got heart, too. He’s the kind of player who’ll line up at left tackle one play, flip to right tackle the next, and even slide inside to guard if you ask him. Heck, he’s even logged some snaps on defense, just to show he’s not afraid to mix it up. That’s Champ—always ready to step up.

The Recruiting Hype

If you’re wondering how good Micah really is, just check the numbers. The recruiting gurus have him pegged as a four-star stud, and he’s climbing the charts fast. On the 247Sports Composite, he’s sitting at No. 81 overall, the No. 6 interior offensive lineman, and No. 19 in talent-rich Florida. Over at On3, he’s No. 96 overall, while Rivals has him at No. 85 nationally and No. 9 among offensive tackles. That’s not just good—that’s “start packing for a Power Five school” good.

And the offers? Oh, they’re pouring in. We’re talking more than 40 Division I schools begging for a shot at him. Ohio State, Alabama, Miami, Tennessee, Oregon, UCLA—you name a big-time program, and they’ve probably got Micah’s number on speed dial. Alabama jumped in the game with an offer in February 2025, but they’re late to a party that’s been rocking since his sophomore year. This kid’s got options, and he’s loving every minute of it.

What He Brings to the Field

Watching Micah play is a treat. He’s not just big—he’s mean in the best way possible. When he locks onto a defender, it’s game over—they’re either on the ground or wishing they were. He’s got this knack for finishing blocks that makes you think he’s got a personal vendetta against anyone in the other team’s jersey. But it’s not all brute force. Micah’s quick on his feet, with the kind of smooth footwork you don’t expect from a guy his size. Whether he’s protecting the quarterback or opening lanes for a running back, he’s got the skills to make it look easy.

Coaches love that he’s a Swiss Army knife on the line. Left tackle? Done. Right tackle? No problem. Guard? He’s got it covered. Ohio State’s offensive line coach, Justin Frye, sees him sticking at tackle in college, but Micah’s the type who’d play center if it meant helping his team win. That versatility, plus his smarts on the field, is why recruiters are drooling over him.

The Recruitment Rollercoaster

Micah’s recruitment is like a blockbuster movie—full of twists, turns, and a cast of heavy hitters. Right now, he’s got a top six in mind: Ohio State, Miami, Tennessee, Oregon, UCLA, and South Carolina. But don’t sleep on Alabama—they’re lurking, and you know Nick Saban’s successors don’t mess around.

Ohio State: The One to Beat

If you ask around, Ohio State’s got the inside track. Micah’s been up to Columbus a bunch—spring game in April 2024, the Indiana matchup in November 2024—and he can’t stop raving about it. “Ohio State’s probably No. 1 right now,” he told Eleven Warriors last spring, grinning ear to ear. “They’re gonna be tough to top.” He’s got two more trips planned—June 2025 and the Michigan showdown in November 2025—and the Buckeyes are pulling out all the stops. Coach Frye’s got a playbook drawn up just for him, and Micah’s eating it up.

Miami: Home Sweet Home

Then there’s Miami, tugging at his Florida roots. It’s only a couple hours from Vero Beach, and when he visited in March 2025, he came back saying it “hit different.” Coach Mario Cristobal’s all about building a wall of linemen down there, and Micah could be the cornerstone. You can feel the hometown vibes pulling at him.

The Rest of the Pack

Tennessee’s got his attention after a trip to Knoxville, and South Carolina wowed him when they upset Missouri in November 2024—he was there, soaking it all in. Oregon and UCLA are dangling the West Coast dream, with UCLA locking in an official visit for summer 2025. Alabama’s the wild card; they’re new to the chase but carry that Crimson Tide weight.

Micah’s not rushing things. He’s got spring visits lined up, plus official stops at Ohio State, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and UCLA. With signing day still way off in December 2026, he’s playing it cool and keeping everyone guessing.

What Makes Him Special

Micah’s more than just a big body with a highlight reel. Talk to anyone who knows him, and they’ll tell you he’s a grinder—always asking questions, always pushing to get better. He’s tight with guys like Carter Lowe, an Ohio State commit he met at a camp, and he’s not shy about picking the brains of college stars like Buckeyes tackle Josh Simmons. “Only legends go there,” he said about Ohio State, and you can tell he wants to be one of them.

He’s got this quiet confidence, too. Doesn’t matter if he ends up at tackle or guard—he just wants to play, learn, and dominate. That’s the kind of attitude that’ll take him far.

Where’s He Headed?

As of right now, March 23, 2025, Micah’s still weighing his options. Ohio State’s got the lead, no question—those visits and that connection with Coach Frye are tough to beat. But Miami’s got the home-field advantage, Tennessee’s got momentum, and Alabama’s got that national title shine. Oregon and UCLA are still in the mix, too, promising a fresh start out west.

Micah’s got a busy few months ahead—spring visits, summer camps, and a big decision looming. He’s said it’s about finding the right fit: a coach who’ll push him, a team he can vibe with, and a shot at something bigger. Wherever he lands, one thing’s for sure: Champ’s gonna bring it.

The Bottom Line

Micah "Champ" Smith is than a name on a recruiting roster roll call—a young man who has a vision and the stuff to make his vision come alive. He has size, skills, and the motivation enough to be a superstar, no matter if it is pancaking up Big Ten or SEC defensive tackles, or well beyond. Keep your eyes on this one, football fans. He’s only a junior, but he’s already playing like a man on a mission.