Clemson’s wide receiver room was already loaded with talent, but the addition of transfer Tristan Smith has brought a fresh spark to the Tigers’ offense.
After a breakout 2024 campaign at Southeast Missouri State, Smith made the leap to the Power Five stage—and has wasted no time proving he belongs.
Tristan Leigh Shares a Funny First Encounter
During Clemson’s weekly press conference ahead of the season opener, offensive lineman Tristan Leigh gave reporters a lighthearted glimpse into Smith’s personality—and how quickly he’s embraced life at Clemson.
Leigh recalled their first interaction, when Smith was shocked by one of the smaller perks of being a Tiger.
“One of the first conversations we had, he was like, wait—you can just go in the fridge and grab a Fairlife? You know, those are like five dollars a pop,” Leigh said with a laugh. “I told him, yeah. And he was like, ‘I like it here.’”
For Leigh, that moment was a reminder of the resources Clemson provides its players. More importantly, he said, it showed Smith’s gratitude for the opportunity.
“Honestly, for him, I’m really excited. He takes advantage of it every single day,” Leigh said. “I’m happy for him—he’s a great guy, one of my good friends.”
Smith’s transition to Clemson has been seamless both on and off the field. Teammates praise his work ethic, while coaches see him as a valuable addition to an already loaded receiver corps, bringing both depth and versatility.
In a program where each day is treated as a chance to improve, Smith’s gratitude for even the smallest perks—like discovering free Fairlife milk in the team fridge—speaks to his eagerness to embrace the Clemson way.
As the Tigers prepare for their season opener, Smith is a name to watch. His talent is clear, but it’s the energy and perspective he brings from his journey through the transfer portal that may leave the biggest mark.
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