PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Thursday it has signed defender Collin Smith to a contract extension through the 2027 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Smith joined Rising ahead of the 2025 season from Rhode Island FC. The outside back has made three goal contributions in his first season with the club, netting his first goal against Detroit City FC on April 12 and notching two assists.

“Phoenix is my home away from home,” Smith said. “From the coaching staff to the front office, top to bottom, there are a lot of great people around me. All those things made it the right decision to stay.”

The 21-year-old is one of six Rising players to surpass 1,500 minutes played in the regular season. Notably, he has started 17 of the 20 regular season matches he has been available.

“I’m fortunate to have worked with [Smith] prior, and to have him trust me with his growth and development means a lot,” Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah said. “[The extension] is a straight testament to him, but also in the trust he has put in me and the club to help with his development.”