Chau Smith-Wade

Chau Smith-Wade (born September 17, 2002) is an American football cornerback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington State Cougars.

Early life and high school
Smith-Wade is from Denver, Colorado and attended high school at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. Coming out of high school, Smith-Wade initially committed to play for the Wyoming Cowboys. However, Smith-Wade would de-commit and decide to flip his commitment to play college football for the Washington State Cougars.

College career
In Smith-Wade's first collegiate season in 2020, he tallied eight tackles with one being for a loss, and a pass deflection, in just two games played. In the 2021 season, Smith-Wade made 16 tackles with five going for a loss, an interception, and three pass deflections. In 2022, Smith-Wade notched 43 tackles with two and a half being for a loss, eight pass deflections, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. Smith-Wade finished the 2023 season with 36 tackles and six pass deflections while missing five games with an injury. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Smith-Wade decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft. Smith-Wade accepted an invite to play in the 2024 Senior Bowl.

Professional career
Smith-Wade was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the 157th pick of the 2024 NFL draft.