South Carolina tight end Michael Smith has decided to redshirt for the remainder of the season and will enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told On3’s Pete Nakos. His decision signals the end of his time with the Gamecocks as he looks for a new opportunity elsewhere.
According to GamecockCentral, the program has confirmed Smith’s departure. The sophomore tight end is no longer listed on the team’s active roster, effectively making him a free agent as he explores his next steps in college football.
Smith, a native of Savannah, Georgia, saw limited action this season before reaching the four-game mark that preserves his redshirt eligibility. His production included two receptions for 20 yards, contributing in a depth role at tight end before his decision to move on.
The departure opens another roster spot for South Carolina as they continue to navigate a challenging season and adjust their offensive depth chart. Meanwhile, Smith will seek a fresh start in the portal, hoping to find a program where he can make a bigger impact on the field.
As a true freshman last season, Michael Smith showed flashes of promise in South Carolina’s offense. He recorded 10 receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown, offering glimpses of his potential as a reliable target in the passing game despite limited opportunities.
Smith played a significant role early in his career, appearing in 12 of the team’s 13 games. He even earned seven starts, underscoring the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities and his potential to grow into a key contributor for the Gamecocks.
While his production didn’t reach star levels, his steady involvement on the field highlighted his versatility and work ethic. Many viewed Smith as a high-upside player with a bright future, capable of developing into a consistent offensive weapon over time.
His early experience and flashes of productivity made his decision to redshirt and transfer particularly notable, as it signals both a personal shift in direction and a significant loss for South Carolina’s tight end room.
This season, Michael Smith has been part of a crowded tight end rotation for South Carolina, splitting snaps with Brady Hunt, Jordan Dingle, and Maurice Brown II. The competition limited his opportunities to build on the momentum he created as a freshman.
Smith’s offseason preparation was also impacted by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the spring. The time away from team activities hindered his progress and likely contributed to his reduced role in the offense this fall.
Despite returning in time for the season, Smith struggled to regain the form and rhythm that made him a promising young target last year. His limited production reflected both the depth at the position and the lingering effects of his recovery.
The combination of increased competition and the setback from injury played a role in Smith’s decision to redshirt and enter the transfer portal, as he looks for a fresh start where he can earn more playing time and showcase his potential.
Smith also missed South Carolina’s game against Missouri due to an unspecified injury, further limiting his contributions this season. The setback came on top of his earlier shoulder issues, making it difficult for him to gain momentum in a competitive tight end room.
Because he has appeared in just four games, Smith will preserve his redshirt for the 2025 season. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, he’ll enter 2026 as a redshirt sophomore, maintaining three full years of eligibility to continue his college career elsewhere.
A highly regarded recruit out of Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School, Smith was a four-star prospect with a strong reputation as a pass-catching tight end. He chose the Gamecocks over Tennessee, Auburn, and Arkansas, among a host of other major programs that pursued him during the 2024 recruiting cycle.
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Smith was rated as the No. 139 overall player and the No. 9 tight end nationally in the 2024 class, arriving at South Carolina with high expectations and considerable upside as a future playmaker.
Leave a Reply