Miami football: Brashard Smith reportedly entering transfer portal
Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel reported on Thursday that there was "No sign of Hurricanes wide receiver Brashard Smith on the field during warmups.". The report from Lichtenstein was followed up by a Tweet from CaneSport on Friday afternoon that Smith is entering the transfer portal.
In three seasons with Miami, Smith had 69 receptions for 770 receiving yards and four touchdowns and contributed 18 carries for 177 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Smith is a versatile player who had 22 receptions for 263 yards and two TDs and nine carries for 132 yards and a TD rushing.
Miami could pursue a WR in the transfer portal to add depth with the loss of Smith. Freshman Ray Ray Joseph is expected to return for Miami in 2024. Miami also signed four-star WRs Ny Carr, Chance Robinson and Joshisa Trader in the 2024 class. Xavier Restrepo announced his return as the starting slot receiver on Friday morning.
The return of Restrepo could have partially influenced the decision by Smith to transfer. Smith is primarily a slot receiver. Carr and Trader could challenge Joseph to be the primary backup to Restrepo in 2024. Miami is also expected to return 2023 second leading receiver Jacolby George.
Not the best exit we have ever seen but Brashard Smith will be departing to the transfer portal. The first of several spots to be opened up in the coming days
— CaneSport Miami Hurricanes (@CaneSport) December 29, 2023
Smith added a bizarre comment during an Instagram live praising Rutgers for their performance on Thursday. Some reports stated that Smith did not make the trip with Miami to New York for the Pinstripe Bowl. Smith only had two kick returns for 36 yards in the regular season finale at Boston College.
Brashard Smith needs to focus on his grades before going on social media talking about his team. pic.twitter.com/02A548bOGk
— 🇭🇹Your Favorite Zoe🇭🇹 (@ihate_ap) December 29, 2023
Smith originally signed with Miami in the 2021 class as the 206th overall prospect, 35th WR and 30th player in Florida out of Palmetto. The ACC named Smith honorable mention All-Conference as a return specialist in 2023. Smith averaged 28.9 yards on kickoff returns in 2023 with one TD.
Restrepo can set UM receiving records in 2024. Restrepo can set UM receiving records in 2024. dark. Next
The departure of Smith continues Mario Cristobal remaking the Miami football roster with players he recruited. Frank Ladson who transfered to Miami during the 2022 offseason announced his entry into the portal at the end of the regular season. Ladson is transferring to Massachusetts.