Tristan Smith’s Transition: How Clemson’s Transfer Receiver is Fitting In

Clemson football has entered a new era of roster management and, with it, a historic first. Former Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith became the Tigers' first-ever non-quarterback skill position player to transfer to the program. At 6-foot-5, the senior brings size and production to a Clemson receiver room looking for reinforcements following the departures of Troy Stellato (Kentucky) and Noble Johnson (Arizona State) via the transfer portal.

Smith arrived on campus in January and has quickly acclimated to his new environment. "So far, my adjustment here has been pretty good, being that I'm an older guy,'’ he stated on Tuesday. “So, coming from a previous D1 school, I know how to adapt. So getting here and being around some of the guys and building relationships with the guys. It was pretty normal to me." Smith continued. "So, I would say, the bond I built with Antonio [Williams], all the receivers, the whole team, Cade [Klubnik]. It's been really quick, and it's been good," 

A second-team all-conference selection with the Redhawks, Smith posted an impressive 76 receptions for 934 yards with six touchdowns last season. 

Now, he’s getting a firsthand look at the talent level in Clemson’s receiver room. "I've been hearing a lot of people say when you go FBS, the second string is good. The third string is good," Smith noted. "Just coming here, everybody is good. All of our receivers are route runners—got great hands. I'm not coming to something where I'm the best player. I match energies with everybody because everybody's so good."

The Tigers have a documented history of utilizing big-bodied receivers with prep basketball in their backgrounds, particularly in their championship-winning seasons of 2016 and 2018, when Mike Williams, Tee Higgins, and Justyn Ross played pivotal roles. Smith played basketball at LaGrange High School in LaGrange, GA, and is the tallest receiver on the roster.

He sees his size as a potential weapon in the offense. "Just going up and making a play when it needs to be made," Smith said of his role in the offense. "Being a taller guy, a lot of small corners try to guard me. I could make some big plays and powerful plays down the field and block for my teammates."

Smith has also been working on his chemistry with quarterback Cade Klubnik, a returning leader for Clemson and one of the top players in college football. Their connection started early, even before spring practices commenced. "I mean, that kind of came natural," Smith recalls of the initial chemistry between them. "He stays two houses down for me. We talk every day. He's a good quarterback. We were throwing before spring practice even started, trying to learn a playbook, and trying to find places where he could put the ball on me --  so I can jump up and get it."

Beyond their on-field work, Smith has enjoyed getting to know Klubnik as a person, even admitting to a bit of initial awe. "I'm not gonna lie. I was kind of starstruck just seeing him for the first time," Smith shared with laughter. "As I got to know him as a person, he's really cool and he's a good individual. A really great guy."

A Georgia native, Smith never visited Clemson as a high school prospect, but he has quickly embraced his new surroundings."Everything," he answered when asked, What does Clemson have to offer? "The P.A.W. Journey program developing me as a man off the field. Like Coach [Dabo] Swinney said, 'We're just a team that leads, builds strong men, and we play football on the side.'"

Smith, who has one year of eligibility remaining, also appreciates the welcoming environment on campus. "It's closer to home. The food here is good. The people are always nice every day. You would never leave or come in without somebody saying, 'Hey,' to you every day. 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."