Clemson's coach addresses the uncertainty surrounding Tristan Smith's eligibility, detailing his current role and potential NFL paths as the June ruling looms.
Wide receiver Tristan Smith made a huge impact in 2024, recording 76 receptions for 934 yards and six touchdowns for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.
In 2025, he transferred to Clemson, earning 24 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown.
The six-foot-five, 205-pound receiver spent his first two seasons at the JUCO level. His waiver for another year of eligibility was denied in January.
Smith filed a suit to remain eligible for 2026, but he must wait for his case to be heard in June.
During his news conference on Wednesday, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney provided an update on how Smith was attacking spring football.
Smith can work out with the team and has the chance to join the supplemental NFL Draft if he loses his case.
“He can do everything and we won’t know for sure until June,” Swinney said, via On3. “Then, he’ll really have two options at that point. He’s able to do everything until then.
"If it doesn’t go his way, he can probably find his way to the NFL through a supplemental type of process. Or, he can stay here and flip over to the Tiger Trust, because he still needs to graduate.”
The Tigers have Smith training with the team as a student coach.
“He can still train and be a student-coach, but he can still do everything like run routes and stay ready and try and get ready for the Combine and stuff,” Swinney said. “So, that’s really where we are.
"We hope it will go his way, especially when you look around the country and see some of the decisions being made compared to his situation. But, we’ll just have to go through the process.”
Smith was No. 5 in receiving for Clemson last season behind T.J. Moore, Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr. and Adam Randall. He'd have a chance to earn a bigger role in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Chad Morris.
It's a shame Smith's case will have to wait until June, because that comes months after the NFL Draft and well after rookie OTAs occur for league teams in May.