Jeff Smoker played quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans from 2000 to 2003. After being suspended for the last five games of the 2002 season due to substance abuse issues, Smoker was reinstated by first year head coach John L. Smith for his senior season of 2003. In 2003, Smoker became the first QB in Michigan State history to throw for over 3,000 yards. He finished his senior season with 3,395 yards and a school record 21 touchdown passes. Smoker was named second team All-Big Ten and the 2003 Big Ten Comeback Player of the Year. In 2003, the Spartans finished with an 8-5 record after losing to Nebraska 17-3 in the 2003 Alamo Bowl. That marks the last time Michigan State has played in a bowl game. Smoker was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Rams and served as their 3rd string quarterback for the 2004 season. He was cut by the Rams in 2005 and spent brief time on both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas Chiefs practice squads in both 2005 and 2006. After being cut by the Chiefs in 2006, Smoker signed with the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League.
Smoker was the starting quarterback for Nashville in 2007 and led the Kats to a 7-9 record. Nashville did not advance to the AFL Playoffs. Smoker finished the 2007 season with 3,446 yards with 57 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.