Smith saw 11 games in his freshman season. In these games Smith recorded 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In the home opener against Murray State, Smith had 1.5 sacks and 3 tackles.[4]
Smith played in all 10 regular season games. In these games Nolan's stat line was 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Smith started his first game against Tennessee. In this game he would only have one tackle. In the season opener vs Arkansas, Smith would tally 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks.[5]
Smith played in 11 games. In the SEC opener against South Carolina, Smith would record a career high 8 tackles and he would also force a fumble. In the game vs Vanderbilt, Smith was named a team captain. Against rival Florida, Smith forced a fumble and got his first interception of his career in just a 39-second span.[6] Against Missouri, Smith blocked a punt that resulted in a safety. Smith's final stats were 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and one interception.[7] Smith announced that he would return to Georgia for his senior season in 2022 rather than enter the 2022 NFL draft.[8]
On October 29, 2022, Smith exited the game against Florida, tearing a pectoral muscle and prematurely ending his season.[9][10] Smith finished the season with seven tackles, three sacks, and 16 quarterback hurries.[11]
In his rookie season, Smith earned roles on the defense and special teams units, playing in all 17 regular season games. His role in the defense was limited as a reserve behind Pro-Bowler Haason Reddick. He finished his rookie season, recording 18 tackles and a sack.[17]