South Carolina Tight End Michael Smith Commits to Ole Miss

A transfer sophomore tight end from South Carolina, Michael Smith, has officially committed to Ole Miss, according to reports from sportify’s Pete Nakos. Smith made the decision after leaving the South Carolina team mid-season during the 2025 campaign and entering the transfer portal.

During his time at South Carolina, Smith recorded 12 receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. His departure from the program created an opportunity for him to join a new team, and he has now chosen Ole Miss as his next destination.

Before enrolling at South Carolina, Smith was highly regarded as a four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 139 overall player in the 2024 class, according to the Rivals Industry Rating. He was also the No. 9 tight end in his class and the No. 18 overall player from Georgia, coming from Calvary Day School.

Smith’s commitment is a positive development for the Ole Miss football program, especially after a recent setback. On January 9, it was revealed that star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’s appeal for a sixth and final year of eligibility had been denied by the NCAA.

Chambliss initially served as Austin Simmons’ backup but took over starting duties after Simmons suffered an injury in the Rebels’ 30-23 victory over Kentucky on September 6. Despite the transition, Chambliss performed exceptionally well, throwing for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He also rushed for 527 yards and eight more scores.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” Chambliss’ legal counsel, Tom Mars, said. “The last time I checked, however, the only score that matters is the one at the end of the fourth quarter. I assume that Ole Miss will file an appeal with the NCAA, but that’s their decision to make.”

“However, there’s now an opportunity to move this case to a level playing field where Trinidad’s rights will be determined by the Mississippi judiciary instead of some bureaucrats in Indianapolis who couldn’t care less about the law or doing the right thing. Whether to pursue that course of action is a decision only Trinidad and his parents can make.”

In response to Chambliss’s departure, Ole Miss brought in Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight from the transfer portal to replace him.

Ole Miss Transfer Portal Additions

Michael Smith is the 22nd addition to Ole Miss’ transfer portal roster this season. Here are the other players who have joined the program:

• Jr. S Joenel Aguero (Georgia)
• So. DL Michai Boireau (Florida)
• So. LB Tah’j Butler (Georgia Tech)
• Jr. WR Johntay Cook II (Syracuse)
• So. CB Jay Crawford (Auburn)
• Fr. OL Carius Curne (LSU)
• Jr. CB Sharif Denson (Florida)
• RS-Sr. OL Troy Everett (Oklahoma)
• Jr. WR Darrell Gill (Syracuse)
• RS-Jr. QB Walker Howard (Louisiana)
• RS-So. S Edwin Joseph (Florida State)
• Fr. QB Deuce Knight (Auburn)
• Fr. RB JT Lindsey (LSU)
• RS-Jr. EDGE Jonathan Maldonado (Nevada)
• Fr. WR Cameron Miller (Kentucky)
• Sr. DL Jehiem Oatis (Colorado)
• So. TE Brady Prieskorn (Michigan)
• Jr. EDGE Blake Purchase (Oregon)
• RS-So. DL Jordan Renaud (Alabama)
• So. TE Michael Smith (South Carolina)
• Jr. WR Isaiah Spencer (Virginia Tech)
• Sr. LB Keaton Thomas (Baylor)

Ole Miss continues to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, and fans are eager to see how these new additions will impact the team’s performance moving forward.

For the latest updates on players entering and exiting the transfer portal, follow sportify’s Transfer Portalwire. Additionally, the sportify Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.