Aggies Lose Former UTEP WR Tryin Smith To Transfer Portal

The former Miners' receiver is digging his way out of College Station

Tyrin Smith's stay in College Station lasted a semester. Then again, he always intended to leave the program before ever touching the practice fields.

Smith officially entered the transfer portal Friday and is expected to reconsider returning to UTEP for his senior season. A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said at the start of spring practice that Smith had approached him about potentially leaving to return to the Conference USA program.

“Tyrin may or may not be out here with us for a little while and where he’s at,” Fisher said last month during spring workouts. “He’s debating whether he wants to stay here or go back, which has happened in recruiting sometimes on transfers.”

Smith was expected to be an immediate contributor to the Aggies' offense as the veteran of the roster. That was before Ainias Smith, A&M's leading target the past two seasons, announced that he would return to College Station for a fifth year.

Ainias Smith, who previously was expected to enter the NFL draft, suffered a season-ending leg injury during A&M's win over Arkansas in the Southwest Classic. After mulling over his options with his family, Smith elected to return for another go-around in Aggieland.

Tyrin Smith could still be a part of the Aggies' long-term plan should he elect to stay. However, due to his status as a transfer, the decision to return to UTEP would all be based on coach Dana Dimel. Dimel, who has been the Miners' head coach since 2018, recruited Smith out of Cisco Junior College following the 2021 season.

Last fall, Smith replaced Jacob Cowing as the Miners' leading receiver, totaling 71 receptions for 1,039 yards and seven touchdowns. Fisher did not specify when Smith would eventually decide on his status to remain with the Aggies or return out west.

Receiver should be considered a strength for A&M following the Maroon and White. Along with Smith, A&M returned starter Moose Muhammud III and freshman standout Evan Stewart. Fisher also praised the progression of 6-6 sophomore Noah Thomas, who was named the spring Offensive MVP.

Thomas carved out a niche role in the passing game last season while working with quarterback Conner Weigman. He registered five catches for 51 yards and two TDs in 11 games.

"Noah Thomas has had a phenomenal spring," said Fisher. "It's a shame he got hurt because he was playing his tail off. He's going to be a real weapon. I was wanting everybody to have a chance to see him today. It's a shame he didn't get to play."

Fisher also praised freshmen Micah Tease and Raymond Cottrell for their development as early enrollees. In the spring game, Tease, who initially committed to Arkansas, hauled in a 52-yard touchdown pass from redshirt junior Max Johnson.

"They're physical," Fisher said of Cotrell and Tease. "They're willing to block and do things. They're going to be special teams players. Those guys have really come on, in my opinion, and surged."

The Aggies open the 2023 season at Kyle Field against New Mexico on Sept. 2.

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