Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal
Jun 12, 2026 6:58 PM
A landmark court injunction citing "irreparable harm" clears the path for dynamic wideout Tristan Smith to bolster the Clemson Tigers' offense following a pivotal legal blow to NCAA authority.
The Clemson Tigers have been waiting to know what wide receiver Tristan Smith's eligibility would be for the upcoming season.
The Tigers used some loopholes to keep Smith practicing with the team during spring football, allowing him to train as a student-coach. He ran routes during practices.
On Friday, Smith was granted a temporary injunction against the NCAA. He'll be eligible to play for Clemson this fall, per Pete Nakos of On3.
Judge Jessica Salvini made a curious citation in her ruling on Friday, taking a page from the ruling on Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby on "irreparable harm."
"In the instant case, if Mr. Smith is prohibited from participating in the upcoming football season at Clemson University, Mr. Smith would lose personal development, experience, and professional prospects," Salvini wrote.
"As the district court found in the most recent decision issued on June 8, 2026 in the matter of Sorsby vs. NCAA, DC- 2026-CV-0791, the irreparable harm includes, but is not limited to, benefits from the coaching staff, trainers and being a member of a Division I college; and being able to make an informed decision as to whether to enter the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft."
It looks like the case coming out of Lubbock will set serious precedent in courtrooms. Whatever your opinion on the case, the NCAA has become much weaker as a result of the Sorsby ruling, and the sport of college football is going to need to make changes as a result.
It's time to create the super league and for players to form a union. The sport needs set rules and guidelines to follow, and the NCAA is too weak a body to enforce them.
As for the Tigers, the team is set to get a key receiver back for the winner of the quarterback battle between Christopher Vizzina and Tait Reynolds.
Smith had a breakout year with Southeast Missouri State in 2024, recording 76 receptions for 934 yards and six touchdowns. In 2025, he transferred to Clemson, earning 24 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown.
Smith could have a larger role for the Tigers this fall before he tries for the NFL.
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