Tristan Smith Embracing Clemson, Ready to Make an Impact at Wide Receiver
Clemson football has officially entered a new chapter in roster management, and with it comes a historic milestone. Tristan Smith, a former standout wide receiver from Southeast Missouri State, has become the first-ever non-quarterback skill position transfer to join the Tigers. Standing at 6-foot-5, the senior brings both size and experience to a Clemson receiving corps looking for reinforcements after the departures of Troy Stellato (Kentucky) and Noble Johnson (Arizona State) via the transfer portal.
Adjusting to Clemson
Smith arrived on campus in January and has wasted no time settling in.
“So far, my adjustment here has been pretty good, being that I’m an older guy,” Smith said Tuesday. “Coming from a previous D1 school, I know how to adapt. So getting here, being around the guys, and building relationships—it was pretty normal to me.”
He has already formed strong connections with teammates, particularly Antonio Williams, quarterback Cade Klubnik, and the rest of the receiver group.
“The bond I’ve built with Antonio, all the receivers, the whole team, Cade—it’s been really quick, and it’s been good,” Smith added.
Proven Playmaker with Size
Smith arrives at Clemson following a breakout season with Southeast Missouri State, where he earned second-team all-conference honors after recording 76 receptions, 934 yards, and six touchdowns.
Now, he’s getting a firsthand look at the increased level of competition at the FBS level.
“I’ve heard people say that when you go to FBS, the second string is good, the third string is good,” Smith noted. “But here, everybody is good. All of our receivers are great route runners, have great hands. I’m not coming in thinking I’m the best player—I match energy with everybody because everybody’s so good.”
Clemson has a long history of utilizing big-bodied receivers with basketball backgrounds, particularly in its national championship-winning seasons in 2016 and 2018 with Mike Williams, Tee Higgins, and Justyn Ross. Smith, a former basketball player at LaGrange High School (GA), is now the tallest receiver on Clemson’s roster and hopes to use his size as a major asset in the offense.
“Just going up and making a play when it needs to be made,” Smith said about his role. “Being a taller guy, a lot of small corners try to guard me. I can make big plays down the field and be a physical blocker for my teammates.”
Building Chemistry with Cade Klubnik
Smith has also been working closely with Clemson’s starting quarterback Cade Klubnik, one of the top returning signal-callers in college football. Their connection started early, even before spring practice officially began.
“That kind of came natural,” Smith said. “He stays two houses down from me. We talk every day. He’s a good quarterback. We were throwing before spring practice even started, trying to learn the playbook, and figuring out where he could put the ball so I can go up and get it.”
Beyond football, Smith has enjoyed getting to know Klubnik as a person—even admitting he was a bit starstruck at first.
“I’m not gonna lie. I was kind of starstruck just seeing him for the first time,” Smith said with a laugh. “As I got to know him, he’s really cool. A great guy.”
Falling in Love with Clemson
A Georgia native, Smith never visited Clemson during his high school recruitment, but he’s quickly embraced his new home.
When asked what stands out about Clemson, Smith responded simply: “Everything.”
He highlighted the P.A.W. Journey program, which helps players develop beyond football.
“Like Coach [Dabo] Swinney says, ‘We’re a team that leads, builds strong men, and we play football on the side.’”
With one year of eligibility remaining, Smith is determined to make the most of his time at Clemson, both on and off the field.
“It’s closer to home. The food here is good. The people are always nice. Every day, you’ll never leave or come in without someone saying, ‘Hey,’ to you,” Smith said. “And when I’m down or sad, I come to the facility because I know I’m going to leave here happy. It’s really good just being around Clemson.”
With his size, playmaking ability, and strong relationships already forming, Smith could play a key role in Clemson’s offense this season.
