By Mark Pszonak
There has been no bigger surprise during this transfer portal window than the news that Clemson used the transfer portal to add a player. The commitment announcement was made yesterday by the wide receiver, who is the first non-quarterback to be added by the Tigers during this portal-era.
Clemson’s lack of portal usage has been a well-publicized topic in recent years. They have added two quarterbacks (Hunter Johnson and Paul Tyson), but they were just as depth pieces who threw a combined 10 passes during their two seasons.
So, the college football world took a double take yesterday when Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith announced his commitment to the Tigers on X:
Committed‼️ @ClemsonFB pic.twitter.com/dKKjBlxghI
— Tristan Smith (@DbkTristan) December 17, 2024
Smith, 6-foot-5, 205-pounds, spent two seasons at JUCO superpower Hutchinson CC before transferring to Southeast Missouri State. In his only season with the Redhawks he finished with 76 receptions for 934 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. His best game of the season was his finale when he totaled ten receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown against Illinois State.
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Smith becomes the tallest wide receiver for the Tigers, who do return talent at the position with Antonio Williams, Tyler Brown, T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr. all likely returning. However, he should add a new dimension, especially around the redzone.
Is this addition the beginning of more portal action by head coach Dabo Swinney? It is difficult to say, since not many people knew about the Tigers’ pursuit of Smith until his commitment announcement. But it at least puts them in the ballgame as a possible portal player, which should excite Clemson fans.
Clemson will never become Colorado in the portal while Coach Swinney is in charge, but at least it is a start.
