Syracuse, NY – Michael Smith will transfer to Syracuse, according to the AP 247 Sports.
Smith left the Gamecocks program in October after appearing in 12 games as a rookie the year before. Although he only arrived in Columbia in the summer as a freshman, he made seven starts.
Smith missed spring training in 2025 with a shoulder injury that was feared to be a way to lose track of the start. He stayed at South Carolina for his first four games of the season before leaving the program.
Syracuse is losing its leading tight end, Dan Villari, to graduation. Under head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, tight end has been an essential part of the Orange offense.
Both Villari and Los Angeles Chargers rookie standout Oronde Gadsden II finished in the top three in receiving yards for Syracuse the past two seasons. Gadsden was among the national leaders in receiving yards by a tight end in 2024 and Villari was in 2025 before quarterback Steve Angeli tore his Achilles tendon.
Smith is listed at 6-4, 250 pounds. He was an all-region selection at Calvary Day (Georgia) and a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He is rated as a three-star transfer.
Smith will join Syracuse with three seasons of eligibility remaining and become the Orange’s fifth scholarship. While David Clement will be the Orange’s primary blocking tight end, Smith will likely compete with Elijah Washington-Baker for pass-catching opportunities.
The Orange is also set to host New Mexico State’s Gavin Harris for a visit.
The transfer portal opened on Friday and players will have until January 16 to enter their names.
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