When the transfer portal first opened up in early January, we heard that Syracuse football received a commitment from outgoing South Carolina tight end Michael Smith.

Then, as the weeks went on, we heard that South Carolina wanted Smith back and he wanted out of his commitment. Whether the Gamecocks wanted him back or not, Smith ended up at Ole Miss, becoming the second Syracuse player to sign up for the Rebels. Wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. did as well. Ole Miss just participated in the College Football Playoff, losing to Miami in the Final Four.

Speaking this week on 'Cuse Sports Talk, SU head coach Fran Brown explained what happened with Smith, also adding that he has a good relationship with the Ole Miss coaching staff.

South Carolina TE Michael Smith signed with Syracuse initially in the portal before switching to Ole Miss after there were some reports that South Carolina wanted him back.

Fran Brown explains what happened and says Smith is "where he needs to be at."

As a freshman at South Carolina, Smith had 10 catches, 106 yards and a touchdown. As a sophomore, he had just two catches and 20 yards before leaving the program in October. The hope was that he would help diversify the Orange's passing game, but Syracuse should hopefully improve that aspect of the offense regardless, having brought in several other useful pass catchers in the portal period so far.

Ahmad Miller, RB (Jackson State)

Jartavius Flounoy, DT (Georgia State)

Cole Weaver, WR (Miami of Ohio)

Ju'Juan Johnson, RB (LSU)

Chris D'Appolonia, LB (Toledo)

Elijah Moore, WR (Florida State)

Keyshawn Johnson, Edge (UT-Martin)

Dillan Fontus, DL (Maryland)

Amari Odom, QB (Kennesaw State) 

Amare Snowden, DB (Toledo)

Tunmise Adeleye, DE (UNLV)

Nazir Ward, DB (Western Kentucky)

Matthew Outten, WR (Penn State)

Danny Lauter, QB (Georgetown)

Jai Eugene, DB (Western Kentucky)

Oluwafunto Akinshilo, OL (UCLA)

Malachi Nelson, QB (UTEP)

--As of this posting, the Syracuse women's basketball game on Saturday against North Carolina is still on. The winter storm is barreling for the East Coast, causing a rash of reschedules, but so far, the game is still being played at 2 p.m. ET in Chapel Hill.

--The SU men will be home on Saturday, also at 2 p.m. ET, against Miami. Our own Tom Goslowski will be there and you can follow him on social media @TomGozz.

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