BELIEVE IT! Clemson Lands Transfer WR Tristan Smith

Clemson fans might want to sit down for this one—head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers dipped into the transfer portal for the first time in the Swinney era to bring in a non-quarterback, landing standout wide receiver Tristan Smith from Southeast Missouri State.

Smith, a La Grange, Georgia native, announced his commitment on social media with a photo in a Clemson uniform, pointing towards a newspaper headline that seemed almost prophetic: "BELIEVE IT! CLEMSON'S NO. 1."

For Swinney, who has long championed Clemson’s traditional recruiting approach and rarely ventured into the portal outside of quarterback depth, the addition of Smith signals a significant moment in program history. It’s not just the move itself that makes headlines—it’s the potential of the player coming in.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, Smith brings both size and production to a Clemson offense that has lacked consistent big-play threats on the outside. He’s coming off a stellar season at SEMO, where he hauled in 76 catches for 934 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and dominate in contested catch situations.

Smith’s decision also marks a turning point for the Tigers, who have relied heavily on high school talent while other programs embraced portal recruiting to quickly address roster gaps.

At SEMO, he displayed the route-running precision and open-field moves that made him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs. His frame and strong hands make him an ideal target for Clemson at wideout.

Smith’s arrival also adds an intriguing storyline to the Tigers’ offseason. Clemson fans, accustomed to the program zigging while others zagged, are now grappling with a move they once thought unlikely. But as the headline in that Instagram photo boldly suggested, sometimes you’ve got to BELIEVE IT.

More on Smith’s decision and what it means for Clemson’s offense will be coming soon, as we’ve lined up an interview for later today.