Smith played
college football at the
University of Michigan for
Bo Schembechler's
Wolverines teams from 1980 to 1983. As a sophomore, Smith started all 12 games for the
1981 Wolverines and led the team to a record of 8–3 in the regular season and a win over
UCLA in the
1981 Bluebonnet Bowl. He had his best statistical season in 1981, completing 97 of 210 passes for 1,661 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for 674 yards and 12 touchdowns. Receiver
Anthony Carter was Smith's main target in 1981 and 1982, earning
All-American honors both years. Smith completed 118 of 227 passes in 1982 for 1,735 yards, though his rushing total dropped to 387 yards on 83 carries. He also threw a career-high 13 interceptions in 1982. As a senior in 1983, Smith threw four touchdown passes and rushed for a fifth in a 42–10 victory over the
Purdue Boilermakers. He led the
1983 Wolverines to a 9–2 record in the regular season and a berth in the
1984 Sugar Bowl, where the Wolverines lost to
Auburn, 9–7. Smith completed 106 out of 205 passes for 1,420 yards and rushed for 667 yards on 103 attempts during the 1983 season. When he finished his career at Michigan, he was also the team's all-time leading passer, a record that has since been surpassed. ==Professional football==