Shortly after the transfer portal opened in early January, we heard that Syracuse University had secured a commitment from former South Carolina tight end Michael Smith.

Even though Smith has had limited experience, it was exciting for the Orange to get a commitment from someone who had played in the SEC, and the hope was that he'd be a big part of the SU passing game in 2026. However, last week, we heard that Smith wanted out of that commitment - and that the Orange were making it difficult for him. The thought was that Smith wanted to return to South Carolina, but the saga reached a resolution this weekend. He committed to Ole Miss, who just reached the final four of the College Football Playoff.

Now-former SU receiver Darrell Gill Jr. also signed with Ole Miss last week.

Given that there was apparently paperwork already signed with Syracuse, it's unclear if Ole Miss is paying SU any type of buyout commitment for Smith. We should learn that information in the coming weeks and months.

The Orange have had a successful transfer portal period already, and they landed another tight end in Noah Meyers (Western Kentucky). Though portal entrance is (mostly) done, the Orange can continue to make deals and bring in transfers. If they feel they need another tight end to replace Smith, there are still ample transfer opportunities to do so.

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)

--The Syracuse women's basketball team continued to play well this weekend, moving to 16-3 overall (6-2 ACC). The Orange toppled Stanford 69-58 in a marquee win. It was the first time SU had ever beaten Stanford. Dominique Darius had a career-high 26 points.

--The SU men's basketball team is back in action on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET when they take on Virginia Tech at the JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange are coming off a disappointing overtime loss against Boston College, who was 0-4 in the ACC at the time. Despite the loss, Nate Kingz turned in a career-best performance with 27 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Our own Tom Goslowski will be at Wednesday's game, so follow him on social media @TomGozz. 

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