Key South Carolina player to redshirt, depart program before Week 7 game
Published:
South Carolina tight end Michael Smith is no longer with the program, per a report.
Smith is a former 4-star recruit who was expected to be a big part of South Carolina‘s offense in the coming years. Instead, On3’s Pete Nakos reports that Smith will sit out the rest of the season in order to maintain his year of eligibility and will enter the transfer portal after the season.
Smith has only played in 4 games so far this year, so he’s able to still redshirt. He will have 3 years of eligibility remaining at his next destination.
So far this season, Smith has caught 2 passes for 20 yards. Last year as a true freshman, Smith made 10 receptions for 106 yards and 1 touchdown. He also played in 12 of South Carolina’s 13 games last season and made 7 starts for the Gamecocks.
In 2025, he’s had more of an impact as a blocker. He leads all South Carolina tight ends in pass blocking grade, per PFF. However, he’s only registered 33 blocking snaps so far this season, which is the fourth-most among South Carolina tight ends.
Smith was the No. 147 overall player and the No. 10 tight end in the country for the class of 2024, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
South Carolina will go on the road to play LSU this weekend.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
