Concordia’s Tristan Smith commits to Northern Iowa
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Former Concordia Bulldog, Tristan Smith, is now taking his talents to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and becoming a Northern Iowa Panther.
Back on April 1, Smith was granted one more season of eligibility and opted to put his name into the Transfer Portal at the NCAA D1 level.
I am so thankful for the last 4 years at Concordia University.
Due to the NCAA ruling, I have been granted 1 more season of eligibility at the Division 1 level.
20.5 PPG
8.6 RPG
4.2 APG
68% FG
39% 3PT
GPAC POY, GPAC DPOY
96-34 Record
•NAIA 1st Team All-American pic.twitter.com/DRb4V1JPDv— Tristan Smith (@TristanSmitty1) April 1, 2025
The senior averaged 20.5 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game, and shot 68% from the floor in his final season at Concordia.
On Sunday, Smith announced his decision to commit to Northern Iowa via a post on X.
Next Chapter… #EverLoyal pic.twitter.com/hIHDGnIdPS
— Tristan Smith (@TristanSmitty1) April 27, 2025
According to Concordia, Smith is the first player in program history to transfer to a Division 1 program.
But, he is the third player in a row to win GPAC player of the year, and transfer into Division 1 basketball.
The past three GPAC Players of the Year all landed at NCAA DI programs.
2025 – Tristan Smith: Concordia ➡️ UNI
2024 – Reggie Thomas: Hastings ➡️ North Dakota
2023 – Mason Walters: Jamestown ➡️ Wyoming https://t.co/4P7gN8WNyc— Jacob Knabel (@jakeknabel) April 27, 2025
