Clemson football has made a significant addition to its receiving corps with the commitment of Tristan Smith, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound wide receiver from Southeast Missouri State, who announced his decision on Monday following a visit to the university’s campus.
Smith, who had an impressive junior season at SEMO, was a standout performer for the Redhawks. In 2023, he totaled 76 receptions for 934 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his skill and potential as a reliable target in the passing game. One of his most memorable performances came in SEMO’s playoff loss to Illinois State, where he caught 10 passes for 139 yards and added a touchdown, further solidifying his status as a top-tier wide receiver.
Before transferring to Southeast Missouri State, Smith spent two seasons at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience. His career at SEMO started modestly, as he posted just two receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown during his freshman year in 2022. However, he made significant strides in his sophomore season, improving to 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown in 2023.
A native of LaGrange, Georgia, Smith’s decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal attracted attention from several programs, including Kentucky, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Eastern Michigan, and Arkansas State, all of which showed interest in acquiring his services. Ultimately, Smith chose Clemson, a move that will see him join the Tigers’ competitive wide receiver group.
Smith’s commitment comes at a crucial time for Clemson, which has been working to strengthen its receiving depth after losing two players—Troy Stellato and Noble Johnson—who entered the transfer portal. Smith’s addition provides Clemson with an experienced and physically gifted wide receiver who can contribute immediately. With one or two years of eligibility left, he has the potential to make an immediate impact for the Tigers.
For Clemson, hitting the transfer portal early is a strategy that has paid off, as the team continues to build for the future by securing talented players like Smith. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him an intriguing addition to the Tigers’ offense as they look to remain competitive in the upcoming season.
In summary, Clemson’s recruitment of Tristan Smith is a promising move that adds depth to the Tigers’ wide receiver group. With his size, experience, and recent success at Southeast Missouri State, Smith is poised to make an immediate impact for Clemson in the next phase of his college career.
