South Carolina received an unexpected shake-up this week as sophomore tight end Michael Smith officially entered the transfer portal after appearing in just four games this season.
Head coach Shane Beamer addressed Smith’s departure publicly for the first time during Wednesday’s SEC media teleconference, offering insight into how the decision came about.
“I met with Michael last week. He came to talk to me about his role on the team and where he was right now,” Beamer explained. “And I explained to him where he was and why. I gave him the weekend to kind of think about what he wanted to do in regards to continuing with us or moving on.
“He reached out to me over the weekend. We had a good conversation, and he just told me he thought it was best for him to get a fresh start somewhere else.”
Smith showed promise as a true freshman in 2024, catching 10 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown while playing in 12 of 13 games. Expectations were high heading into the 2025 season, especially after Josh Simon, last year’s leading tight end, left for the NFL.
However, Smith’s role diminished early in the year. He played just one snap in the season opener against Virginia and missed the Missouri game due to an unspecified injury. In total, he logged 63 snaps this season — the third most among Gamecock tight ends — and recorded only two receptions for 20 yards.
“I told him the same thing that I told our team — practice matters, and there’s competition in every position on our team,” Beamer said. “Mike did a lot of good things for us in 2024, and I certainly didn’t want him to leave. I love the kid. But at the same time, he missed all of spring practice with an injury that put him behind a little bit. He’s been battling a shoulder injury since the beginning of the season.”
With Smith gone, South Carolina’s tight end room now includes Brady Hunt, Jordan Dingle, Maurice Brown II, Mike Tyler, and Reno Roehm — all of whom have seen game action this fall.
“At this time, Brady Hunt, Jordan Dingle, Moe Brown — we feel like they’re practicing and giving us a better opportunity to win games than he is right now,” Beamer added.
Because Smith appeared in only four games, he will be able to redshirt and preserve an additional year of eligibility, making him a redshirt sophomore in 2026 with three years remaining to play.
“I encouraged him to continue to work and get back out on the field and change that because of the expectations we have for him,” Beamer said. “But we just felt like it was best for him to get a fresh start. So, wish him well. Love Mike, love his energy, love his spirit. Good football player. But again, practice matters, and those other guys right now just give us a better opportunity on Saturdays.”
