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Tristan Smith is overwhelmed following a move to Clemson. The football player is still getting adjusted to life as a D1 athlete.
The wide receiver upgraded in a big way when signing with the Tigers in the transfer portal. He had no idea the luxuries that high-level football stars receive.
Smith joined the program this past offseason. He expects to add depth in a stacked Clemson wide receiver room.
The pass catcher shined at both the JUCO and FCS levels. Smith was named all-conference last year after hauling in 76 receptions for 934 yards and six scores.
He now looks to prove himself in the ACC, but his adjustment to the Power 4 involves more than just on-field play.
Clemson is a huge step up.
The Tigers are the ACC’s premiere school, at least on the football field. A massive investment has been made in the program.
Tristan Smith will be the beneficiary.
Clemson’s had more playoff success than anyone not named Alabama over the last decade. It’s resulted in a pair of national titles.
Players get to enjoy the perks of that success each and every day on campus.
The team can typically be found at the football complex on a daily basis. That $55 million building includes an indoor field, photo and editing studios, a movie theater, a media center, weight and recovery rooms, nap areas, and a number of other bells and whistles.
Smith has not had these amenities at previous stops. He played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Southeast Missouri State.
Those programs do not have separate indoor spaces dedicated to the football team. They share their home venues with other sports at the school.
His new home is not the same! He’s still adjusting, say teammates.
Yesterday it was Tristan Leigh telling us about JUCO/FSC transfer WR Tristan Smith’s appreciation of free milks in the football facility’s fridge.
Today, Tyler Brown tells us that Smith recently discovered there are free omelettes at The Bistro. pic.twitter.com/EPCmDXoN3J
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) August 27, 2025
Free meals are now the norm. He couldn’t even get a free milk at his last stop!
With less to worry about off the field, Smith can focus on becoming a better football player. He hopes to break into the rotation at wideout.
Tristan Smith can be a weapon.
He shined in the Clemson football team’s spring game, hauling in five passes for 137 yards. At 6-foot-5, he’s an imposing presence on the outside.
Smith can go up and get it. High pointing footballs is a useful talent down near the redzone.
The transfer receiver is currently battling it out in a crowded position room that includes stars like Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco. Smith figures to be in the two-deep.
He’ll have his first chance to make an impact in the season opener against LSU. The Tigers host their first opponent on Saturday night in primetime.
Smith will soon get to experience another major difference at his new college stop when he hears the cheers of 85,000 fans raining down in Death Valley.