South Carolina Tight End Michael Smith to Redshirt, Plans to Enter Transfer Portal
The South Carolina football program is losing one of its young offensive talents.
Sophomore tight end Michael Smith has decided to step away from the Gamecocks, with plans to redshirt the 2025 season and enter the transfer portal later, he confirmed to The State on Tuesday. The news was first reported by Pete Nakos of On3.
Smith, a former four-star recruit out of Savannah, Georgia, appeared in 12 games as a true freshman in 2024, starting seven times alongside veteran tight end Josh Simon. He caught 10 passes for over 100 yards, showing early flashes of potential.
However, Smith’s role diminished this season. Through four games in 2025, he’s managed just two receptions and has fallen behind Jordan Dingle and Brady Hunt on the depth chart.
By stepping away now — after appearing in only four games — Smith preserves his redshirt status, allowing him to transfer with three full years of eligibility remaining.
The move isn’t expected to drastically alter South Carolina’s tight end rotation. Dingle and Hunt have established themselves as the primary duo, while Maurice Brown could see an expanded role with Smith’s exit.
Beyond that, the Gamecocks’ tight end room includes just one more scholarship player, freshman Mike Tyler, while the 2026 recruiting class already features a commitment from three-star prospect Jamel Howse of Newberry.
Michael Smith’s 2025 Snap Counts (via Pro Football Focus)
- Week 1: 4
- Week 2: 33
- Week 3: 20
- Week 4: 0
- Week 5: 21
Smith’s decision underscores the ongoing roster movement in college football, as players seek the best fit to maximize their development and playing time.
