Michael Smith previously played at South Carolina.
The Syracuse University football team has landed a tight end from the SEC in the transfer portal.
According to Mike McAllister of 24/7 Sports, former South Carolina tight end Michael Smith has committed to play for Fran Brown's group.
Smith left the South Carolina program in October. He had just two receptions and 20 yards this season until that time.
A sophomore, he had 10 catches, 106 yards and a touchdown as a freshman.
At the time of his exit, South Carolina head coach Frank Beamer made it seem like Smith was unhappy with his role and usage in the Gamecocks program.
Per the Greenville News:
"I told him the same thing I told our team, there's competition in every position," Beamer said. "Mike did a lot of good thing for us in 2024 and I certainly didn't want him to leave. I love the kid. At the same time, he missed all of spring practices, which put him behind a little bit."
Beamer did not disclose what injury caused Smith to miss spring practice, but said he had a shoulder injury in the beginning of this season.
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How does he fit with the Orange?
Well, that remains to be seen, but there's certainly opportunity for him to make an impact in the receiving game. Syracuse has already seen multiple top wide receivers hit the transfer portal, and they have to find ways to replace the production from Darrell Gill Jr. and Johntay Cook. Smith is listed at 6'4, 250 pounds, so he profiles as a classic tight end as opposed to a flex player. However, the Greenville news article says he stands 6'6.
Also on campus
--The Syracuse women's basketball team (12-2, 2-1 ACC) will be back in action on Sunday afternoon (2 p.m. ET) at Wake Forest.
--The football team is currently hosting defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye for a visit in the transfer portal. If they are able to land him, it would make for quite a weekend for Brown and his staff.
--The men's basketball team (9-5, 0-1 ACC) will be back in action on Tuesday night in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets are 10-5 and coming off a 12-point win over Boston College on Saturday. Syracuse lost its league opener to Clemson on Wednesday afternoon. With nearly a week off, they should be fully prepared for their second league test.
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