Former South Carolina starter DQ Smith enters transfer portal, per report
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The college football transfer portal is normally fairly dormant around this time of year, but it’s received a late jolt in 2026.
Due to a handful of Temporary Restraining Orders being granted by state courts across the country, a plethora of former college football players have been deemed eligible to return and play the sport again.
This has been made possible by challenges to the NCAA’s recent ‘5-in-5’ ruling regarding athlete eligibility, and many players are taking advantage.
One of them is former South Carolina safety DQ Smith, who has now entered the transfer portal according to reporting by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
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Smith figures to be a hot commodity in the portal should his eligibility be upheld, as it’s rare to see a four-year SEC starter available in such a manner.
While with the Gamecocks, Smith racked up 228 total tackles, 12 pass breakups, 5 interceptions and 3 forces fumbles.
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, it appears that Smith will be moving on from his hometown program unless Shane Beamer & Co. work out a way to free up a roster spot.
The Gamecocks will open their 2026 campaign at home against Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Parker is currently the sports editor for Gulf Coast Media in Foley, Alabama. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
