After suing the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) over his fifth-year college football eligibility earlier this January, it looks like WR Tristan Smith is all set to feature in the upcoming season for the Clemson Tigers.
According to On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos, the Pickens County Court in South Carolina ruled a temporary injunction in the wideout’s favor on Friday after he was deemed ineligible by the NCAA post his 2025 season with the Tigers, which was his fourth year of playing at the collegiate level.
Upon winning this long-drawn battle against the NCAA, Smith took to X as he penned down an emotional message after the court verdict.
Tristan began his heartfelt post by expressing how thankful he is for everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal. He then expressed gratitude to God, revealing how his relationship with Him has grown stronger ever since he came to Clemson.
“I just wanted to take some time to say thank you to everyone that has been by my side through this whole process,” Smith stated.
“First and foremost I want to thank God, ever since I came to Clemson my relationship with him has been stronger than ever,” he further added.
The wide receiver’s moving post also included acknowledgements for his attorney Darren Heitner and his legal team, head coach Dabo Swinney, the Clemson fans, and his mother, who encouraged him through the process. He wrapped up the post by thanking his agent David Benzaken and his teammates.
Smith spending a couple of seasons at Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Southeast Missouri State in 2024 was supposedly attorney Darren Heitner’s main argument against his client’s ineligibility.
Heitner further highlighted how players like QB Diego Pavia have been previously given an extra year of eligibility despite having played junior college (JUCO) football.
How Has Tristan Smith Fared in CFB So Far?
After beginning his collegiate career at Hutchinson Community College, Smith transferred to the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks for the 2024 season, where he amassed a total of 934 receiving yards while also garnering 76 catches and six touchdowns.
Smith’s breakout display for Missouri State caught the eye of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who onboarded the wide receiver for the 2025 season. In his limited opportunities with Clemson, Tristan added 24 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown.
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