“[Jayden Maiava] flips back of the end zone, catch is … Made by [Ja’Kobi] Lane!”
Those were the words of Jack Smith — a 2025 Annenberg graduate and Co-Director of KXSC Sports Radio — after then-sophomore wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane caught the USC Trojans’ game-winning touchdown against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in 2024.
At the time, Smith didn’t know when he’d have the chance to call football again. The rivalry battle marked his final time calling USC football for the student radio station, capping a journey that began when he first put on the headset for the Trojans’ final Pac-12 season in 2023.
That was until Wednesday, when the San Francisco 49ers announced that Smith — along with four other broadcasters — would be handling radio duties in place of Greg Papa, a longtime broadcasting veteran who was diagnosed with cancer in early August.
For Smith, a San Jose native, it was only fitting. Although his path to the pros didn’t start overnight, his passion for sports broadcasting and limitless work ethic are nothing new.
Smith had the opportunity to voice games at his high school, Archbishop Mitty, and hit the ground running upon starting at USC. He won the 2021 Jim McKay Memorial Scholarship — awarded annually to one high school student pursuing sports television — which marked his true start at the college level.
Smith’s next four school years featured him calling a variety of different sports, while his summers saw him broadcast for collegiate summer baseball teams in a handful of different areas, ranging from San Luis Obispo to Cape Cod.
His first breakthrough opportunity following his graduation in 2025 was becoming a Broadcasting and Media Relations Assistant for the Fredericksburg Nationals, the Single-A affiliate of MLB’s Washington Nationals.
In May 2025, Smith won the Jim Nantz Award, given to the most outstanding college sports broadcaster in the country. He was the second USC winner in three years, after current Los Angeles Clippers radio voice Carlo Jiménez took home the award in 2023.
Smith is living proof that hard work and versatility will get you places. He didn’t just focus on big sports like football and baseball at USC — he dabbled in volleyball, lacrosse, water polo and others. With the 49ers, he’ll be joined by Guy Haberman, Justin Allegri, Troy Clardy and Carlos Ramirez, who will all collectively slot in for Papa during the 2025 season.
“I’m incredibly honored to be a part of this phenomenal crew filling in for the legend, Greg Papa,” Smith posted on X. “All of our thoughts are with Papa as he works towards what we hope is a speedy return to the booth!”
After missing the playoffs in 2024, San Francisco will aim to reach the promised land again after extending quarterback Brock Purdy on a five-year, $265 million deal. The 49ers made the Super Bowl during the 2023 season, but fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime.
Currently embroiled in the Single-A Nationals’ playoff push in the Carolina League, Smith will report home in a matter of weeks as the 49ers open their season in Seattle against the Seahawks on Sep. 7.