Tykee Smith attended Imhotep Institute High School and was rated a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout's rating of 0.880, going unranked by ESPN. Following high school, Smith opted to join West Virginia.

In 2019 as a freshman Smith saw action in 12 games and played a total of 567 snaps at cornerback for the Mountaineers. He recorded 47 tackles, 10 assists, while adding 24 stops. In coverage Smith notched up 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and QB rating when targetted of 96.3.

As a sophomore in 2020 he played in 10 games and logged 568 snaps for the Mountaineers. He made 45 tackles, 4 assists, and had 27 stops. In coverage he totaled 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and an impressive QB rating when targetted of 56.3.

After season's end Smith transferred to Georgia where as a junior for the Bulldogs in 2021 Smith played in one game and took part in 7 snaps for the Bulldogs. He chalked up just 2 tackles, no assists, and added one stop. In the secondary Smith forced no pass breakups, no interceptions, and gave up a disapointing QB rating when targetted of 118.8.

In 2022 as a senior Smith saw action in 10 games while playing 219 snaps. He logged 20 tackles, 3 assists, and made 9 stops. In coverage Smith had one pass breakup, no interceptions, and surrendered QB rating when targetted of 93.3