Season Preview: Curry and Smith ready to lead Vicksburg High’s defense into 2026 season

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

With the 2026 football season just weeks away, Wallyss Curry and Jaylen Smith have emerged as two of the biggest names to watch for Vicksburg High School. After standout campaigns in 2025, the linebacker and defensive end duo enter the season with high expectations as leaders of the Gators’ defense.

Curry, the Vicksburg Daily News 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, said he is excited about what lies ahead in his final high school season.

“I felt pretty good, and we have a solid team, so big things are ahead,” Curry said.

The All-State linebacker finished last season with 150 tackles and has set an even higher standard for himself in 2026. His goal is to eclipse the 200-tackle mark while helping lead the Gators to a successful season.

Curry has also continued to attract attention from college programs. The rising senior recently picked up his 10th scholarship offer and now holds offers from several schools, including Alcorn State and Jackson State.

During the offseason, Curry said one of his biggest areas of improvement has been using his hands more effectively, a skill he believes will elevate his game even further as he remains among Mississippi’s top linebackers.

Smith has also seen his recruitment soar following an impressive 2025 campaign. The 6-foot-6 defensive end recorded 61 tackles and six sacks, quickly establishing himself as one of the state’s top defensive prospects.

Now committed to Southern Miss, Smith said he is ready to prove the excitement surrounding him is well deserved.

“I’m going to live up to the hype and accomplish everything people didn’t think I could,” Smith said.

Smith credited much of his offseason growth to developing a deeper understanding of the game and mastering the details of his position.

His breakout junior season earned him more than 10 scholarship offers, including offers from Mississippi State, Southern Miss and Western Kentucky before announcing his commitment to the Golden Eagles.