This Clemson Tigers wide receiver has made a critical financial decision.
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tristan Smith is looking for an extra year of eligibility for 2026, and he is currently fighting the NCAA to try and get it done.
In fact, Smith is now taking legal action.
"Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith, who says he could earn between $300,000 and $600,000 in NIL and marketing opportunities plus potential revenue share if eligible to play this fall, sued the NCAA on Wednesday seeking an injunction permitting him to play," wrote Michael McCann of Sportico.
Smith logged 24 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown in 2025, which marked his first season with the Tigers.
The 6-foot-5 pass-catcher played two years of JUCO ball before transferring to Southeast Missouri State in 2024. That season, he hauled in 76 receptions for 934 yards and six scores.
Now, with Clemson losing Antonio Williams to the NFL Draft, Smith stands to see increased playing time in 2026 ... if he is able to remain in college.
Tristan Smith. Credit: Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Because Smith played two years at the JUCO level, he is arguing that he should be granted an extra season of eligibility. He has specifically cited Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia as an example.
"In seeking an injunction, Smith argues he has suffered irreparable harm, which refers to a harm that monetary damages can’t remedy," McCann added. "While lost NIL deals and revenue share may be calculable, Smith can point out he would be denied the chance to play games that will never be recreated."
Smith's playing time was rather sporadic this past year. He had a stretch between late September and early November where he amassed 20 of his 29 receptions in nine games, but he also had four contests where he was held without a catch.
That certainly had quite a bit to do with the Tigers' wide receiver duo of Williams and T.J. Moore, but with Williams heading to the NFL, an opportunity has certainly been created for Smith.
And with Clemson's quarterback situation being in flux going into 2026, Dabo Swinney's club needs all the help it can get in its receiving corps.
We'll see if Smith is ultimately successful in his pursuit.
The Tigers went just 7-6 in 2025, marking their worst finish since 2010.