Brendan Smith

"When you're rich, you don't write checks...straight cash homie." - Randy Moss

Twitter: @bsmythe5

Hometown: Purdys, NY

Favorite Sports Media Journalist: David Portnoy

Favorite Athlete: Mariano Rivera

Favorite Team: New York Yankees

If you could cover any sporting event in the world, what would it be: The World Series

Best tradition at your college: The lack of tradition.

The restaurant you most frequent in your college town: Mac Deli

Best class you’ve ever taken: Radio News and Sports Workshop

2019 SU CFB Preview: LSU Tigers

Besides being a viral star for his press conference discipline, Ed Orgeron has gotten the LSU Tigers into a strong position in the SEC race. Ohio State transfer QB Joe Burrow is now settled into the offense, and the senior is primed for a successful curtain call. Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 5 […]

2019 CFB Preview: USC Trojans

Simply put, 2018 was an utter disappointment for the USC Trojans. Head coach Clay Helton survived the off-season speculation, but do not expect the school to be a forgiving in 2019. Prestige Rating (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 5 stars USC has not been in a title game since the epic 2006 matchup against Texas, […]

2019 CFB Preview: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Well, the good news is Rutgers managed to avoid losing every game last season. The bad news is, there doesn’t appear to be a light at the end of the tunnel just yet. Head coach Chris Ash has won just seven games in three seasons, and 2019 should not be any more successful than the […]

2019 CFB Preview: Texas Tech Red Raiders

A new era is set to begin in Lubbock, as former head coach Kliff Kingsbury is now coaching the Arizona Cardinals and the team moves further away from the Patrick Mahomes glory days. Enter new head coach Matt Wells, who takes over after six seasons at Utah State, who is tasked with improving a 5-7 […]

2019 CFB Preview: Pittsburgh Panthers

The tide seems to be turning in for the Pittsburgh Panthers, fresh off an ACC Coastal Division championship (not going to mention the ACC Championship game), and bowl games in four of the last five seasons. Head coach Pat Narduzzi’s squad enters 2019 trying to rid themselves of a three-game losing streak, and will rely […]

2019 CFB Preview: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Dave Clawson’s team has won 22 games over the past three seasons and seems primed to make a fourth straight bowl in 2019. Led by two quarterbacks with starting experience, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons appear to be a team on the rise in the stacked ACC conference. Prestige Rating (If NCAA Football 20 existed): […]

Student Union CFB Preview: Georgia Bulldogs

Fresh off a National Championship appearance and armed with the best 2018 recruiting class, spirits are high in Athens. Head coach Kirby Smart, a branch off the Nick Saban coaching tree, has continued to build the Georgia program in recent years, and is primed to knock Alabama from both the SEC and national stage. Prestige […]

The SU Podcast: Hype SZN ft. Fur

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes hot takes from Student Union writers Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith, and Fur. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what you think about […]

Student Union CFB Preview: USC Trojans

Clay Helton and the USC Trojans survived an early-season upset at the hands of Washington State and a mid-season demolition on the road against rival Notre Dame to win the PAC-12 championship in 2017. Entering the Cotton Bowl at 11-2, USC was embarrassed by Ohio State by a score of 24-7. Fast forward to 2018, […]

Recruiting Season Episode 2: Payton Mangrum, Eastside HS (SC)

Welcome back for the second installment of the Recruiting Season podcast, hosted by myself and Johnny Rambos. This week, we welcomed our first ever recruit guest, Eastside HS (SC) junior WR Payton Mangrum. As a sophomore last season, Mangrum exploded on to the scene, hauling in 72 catches for 1,195 yards and 17 touchdowns. He […]

Student Union CFB Preview: Syracuse Orange

The Syracuse Orange almost turned a corner in 2017. Almost. However, after beating Clemson for their fourth win of the season, the Orange failed to win another game. Once again, the tide appears to be turning in upstate New York, as a top 50 recruiting class is welcomed on campus. Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football […]

Recruiting Season: Episode 1 Feat. Sean Bock (247 Sports)

The very first installment of the newest Student Union podcast is here! Introducing Recruiting Season, a weekly podcast hosted by Student Union personalities Brendan Smith and Johnny Rambos. The podcast will focus on both football and basketball recruiting, with weekly guests. This week, we welcomed former Student Union writer Sean Bock, who is currently an Iowa Hawkeyes […]

Surprise, Surprise, the NCAA Does Something Bad Again

On a day where something actually went well for the NCAA, in only the way they can, they found a way to fuck it up. Two days before announcing that changes were coming to the transfer rule, the NCAA also announced that they are doing away with the mandatory off-day rule. Under the current rule, […]

LeBron James and HBO Announce New NCAA Documentary

LeBron James, coming off yet another NBA Finals loss, has switched teams again, this time partnering with HBO to bring a new student-athlete focused NCAA documentary to the network this fall. Typical LeBron, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em (NBA Free Agency joke, haha). Although this time, after not being able to win with […]

Mississippi State Sends FSU Packing Thanks to Some Magic

In an early candidate for game of the year, Mississippi State fought off elimination, beating host Florida State thanks to a walk-off 3-run homerun from star junior outfielder Elijah MacNamee. Following a weather delay lasting over two hours, Riley Self shut down Florida State in the top of the ninth, setting the scene for the […]

Three Favorites and Sleepers to Win the College World Series

We have entered the best time of the year. Classes are done for the summer, most students have returned to their hometowns, some for the first time since winter break, and the weather is finally heating up here in the Northeast. On top of all that, the NCAA Baseball Tournament is set to begin this […]

The Season: Ole Miss Baseball is an Absolute Must-Watch

The greatest series you are not currently watching is available only on YouTube. The Season: Ole Miss Baseball provides intermittent updates on the Ole Miss Baseball team (hence the title) but in a format not unlike HBO’s iconic Hard Knocks series. A camera crew follows the team both on and off the field, and offers […]

HBO Struck Gold With “Paterno” Movie

I have long been a fan of HBO programming, ever since I discovered The Wire and The Soprano’s (two of the greatest shows ever, don’t even try to argue with me). Once again, HBO has outdone themselves, as “Paterno” may have been some of their best work. Famed director Barry Levinson (“The Natural”, “Good Morning […]

Why is Vince Young the Biggest QB Bust of the BCS Era?

Recently, CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli compiled a list of the five biggest NFL Draft QB busts of the BCS Era. Somehow, Vince Young ended up in the top-ranked spot. Yes, you read that correctly. Vince Young is a bigger bust than some of the most notorious names in the modern draft era. To even have […]

Syracuse Basketball: Matthew Moyer to Transfer

Syracuse redshirt freshman forward Matthew Moyer has announced via Twitter that he will be leaving the program. Moyer saw significant action in the first part of the season this year, but averaged just six minutes per game in the team’s final seven games. For the season, Moyer averaged 16.8 minutes per game, scoring 3.2 points […]

After Missing Out on Hurley, What’s Next for Pittsburgh Basketball?

After six successful seasons at the helm of URI basketball, Dan Hurley has been hired by the University of Connecticut as the newest head basketball coach, per ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. Once again, a mid-major program has served as a jumpstart for a talented coach, with Hurley getting a long-term deal from UConn. Lost in the […]

BREAKING (Literally): Isaac Haas’s Elbow

Purdue was riding high following a dominant 74-48 victory over Cal-State Fullerton, but their championship hopes were quickly crushed as they learned the fate of star big man Isaac Haas. Haas, a 7’2″ senior center, was limited to just 15 minutes due to injury, which was eventually announced to be a fractured right elbow. The […]

UMBC Wins on the Court and on Twitter

The University of Maryland Baltimore County, better known as UMBC, made history Friday night, becoming the first 16-seed to win an NCAA Tournament game, defeating Virginia 74-54. While the Retrievers took care of business on the court, UMBC’s social media director took care of business on Twitter, especially targeting Seth Davis. Like the old saying […]

The NCAA Hates Dogs, Among Other Things

I never thought I could meet someone who hates dogs, but then I heard the news that the NCAA has banned the Butler Bulldog mascot, Butler Blue III, from the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit. How could you say no to a face like that? A good boy, on a leash, anxiously awaiting the opportunity […]

Extra Innings 4: The Week That Was in College Baseball

March Madness has begun, but with all the attention focused on college basketball, now is not the time to forget about college baseball. Conference play begins shortly, and before we all know it, it will be tournament time. Standout Hitting Performance of the Week: Drew Mount, OF, Kansas State Drew Mount, a junior at Kansas […]

Extra Innings 3: The Week That Was in College Baseball

As college basketball begins its ascent to the national spotlight with March Madness, college baseball should not be pushed to the back-burner. This past week featured a matchup between two top-15 teams, yet another no-hitter, and one of the better moments of the season. Standout Pitching Performance: Payton Kinney, RHP, University of Nebraska-Omaha It seems […]

The SU Sports Podcast: Featuring Barstool’s Frank Fleming

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes the hottest takes from Student Union writers Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith and Johnny Rambos. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what you […]

Extra Innings 2: The Week That Was In College Baseball

  What a week in college baseball. This weekend in particular featured a ton of no-hitters, some Top 25 action, and one perfect game. The pitching award was particularly tough to pick, with so many to mention. Standout Pitching Performance: Joe DeMers, RHP, Washington Joe DeMers stood out in a weekend full of outstanding pitching […]

The SU Sports Podcast Episode 15: Scandal Season

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes the hottest takes from Student Union writers Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith and Johnny Rambos. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what you […]

Andy Cannizaro Abruptly Resigns from Mississippi State

Startling news has come out of Starkville, Mississippi, Tuesday as Andy Cannizaro has announced his resignation, effective immediately, from his position as head baseball coach at Mississippi State. Cannizaro had just begun his second season at the helm of the Bulldogs, following a successful 40 win inaugural season. Cannizaro has released the following statement Tuesday […]

Extra Innings 1: The Week That Was in College Baseball

For the first time since June, college baseball has returned. What a glorious sentence that is. From now until June, we will have America’s pastime to fill our weekend afternoons. The first weekend of the 2018 season was full of storylines and exciting finishes. Let’s take a look at the notable performances of this weekend. […]

The Student Union Sports Podcast: Valentine’s Day Edition

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes the hottest takes from Student Union writers Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith and Johnny Rambos. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what you […]

SEC Baseball: Predicting the Breakout Hitters

SEC baseball has long featured some of the premier teams and players in the nation. Last season, three teams (LSU, Texas A&M, Florida) found themselves in Omaha for the College World Series, with Florida eventually winning the championship. With the 2o18 season set to begin on Friday, here are three hitters primed for big seasons […]

Syracuse Lands 3-star DE Caleb Okechukwu Over Arkansas and Texas

In a video on Twitter this morning, 3-star DE/OLB Caleb Okechukwu has announced his commitment to Syracuse. Okechukwu had narrowed his list to Syracuse, Arkansas and Texas ahead of National Signing Day. Okechukwu was a necessary target for Syracuse, as a the defensive unit managed just 17 sacks last season. Prior to his commitment, Syracuse […]

The Student Union Sports Podcast: Trivia Edition

Todays Episode of the Student Union Sports Podcast features the first round of the Student Union Trivia Tournament of Champions (Its a working title…) Writers competing include Johnny Rambos, PJ Guippone, Cody Goggin, Bucky Grimes, Nolan Davis, Sam Tschida, Brendan Smith, Luke Matthews, Big Takes, Austin Montgomery, Frank Fanelli, and Anthony Ventura. Matchup guide Group […]

4-Star WR Bryce Thompson Won’t Sign with South Carolina

Bryce Thompson (Irmo, SC), a 4-star wide receiver, will not be signing with the in-state South Carolina Gamecocks on Wednesday, altering his original plan. Thompson had been committed to the Gamecocks since December 13. Thompson had planned to sign his National Letter of Intent during National Signing Day tomorrow, but as questions arose regarding his […]

National Signing Day 2018: Social Media Do’s and Dont’s

National Signing Day is a beautiful and hopeful time, and if you ask me, should be a national holiday. Unfortunately, it also can be a day for top recruits to stay away from social media, fearful of the backlash from angry fan bases. Before you post on social media tomorrow, be sure to check the […]

Syracuse Target Caleb Okechukwu to Choose Between Three Schools

Following an official visit to Arkansas this past weekend, Caleb Okechukwu, a 3-star DE/OLB from Washington D.C., has announced through Twitter that he will be deciding between Syracuse, Arkansas, and Texas on Wednesday. Syracuse has long been targeting Okechukwu, who took an official visit on the weekend of January 26th. Okechukwu would be the second […]

Syracuse Stays in the Family for QB Coach Hire

Football is a game that promotes family, so Syracuse head coach Dino Babers’s recent hire at quarterback coach makes perfect sense. On February 3, Syracuse announced that Kirk Martin, a long-time Texas high school football coach and Dino Babers’s in-law, has been hired as QB coach. Martin recently spent ten seasons at the helm of […]

Syracuse Target Mychale Salahuddin Reportedly Leaning Toward Pitt

With National Signing Day rapidly approaching, college coaches around the country are putting the finishing touches on their recruiting classes. At Syracuse University, things are no different. For head coach Dino Babers, that recruiting class may not include prized target Mychale Salahuddin. According to both Rivals and other sources, Pittsburgh appears to be the favorite […]

KenPom’s Unluckiest College Basketball Teams So Far

For those unfamiliar with the statistical site kenpom.com, it is essentially a mecca for a fan of statistical analysis and college basketball. Started by Ken Pomeroy, the website’s archives date back to 2002, and use advanced statistics to rank teams in various categories. The website allows readers to go beyond the typical stats found on […]

Zion Williamson Commits to Duke and We can Hate Duke Even More

What’s that old saying? The only guarantees in life are death, taxes, and people hating Duke basketball? Yeah, that sounds about right. It truly is incredible how this happens. Duke basketball continues to be one of the easiest teams to hate in existence. First, it was Christian Laettner, then it was JJ Reddick, then Grayson […]

The SU Podcast Episode 13: National Championship Recap and Early NFL Draft Talk

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes hot takes from Student Union writers Sam Tschida, Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith, and Johnny Rambos. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what […]

Why Florida can Repeat as Baseball Champions in 2018

The Florida Gators were the champions of the college baseball world in 2017, defeating LSU in the decisive final game. Entering the 2018 season, Florida is the number one ranked team in the preseason Collegiate Baseball Poll. Kevin Sullivan’s squad returns plenty of contributors from last year’s championship team, including potential number one overall pick […]

The SU Podcast Episode 12: National Championship Preview

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes hot takes from Student Union writers Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith, and Johnny Rambos. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what you think […]

A Journey into the Unknown: Taking the JUCO Route

Dear Frustrated High School Athlete, I know your pain. The feeling of being unwanted by the schools you were hoping to attend. The feeling that all your work was for nothing. I am here to tell you that I have lived through that. I am here to tell you that I have made it through. […]

Syracuse Welcomes Stellar Class During Early Signing Period

It has been a while since Syracuse football has felt relevant, both on the field and in the recruiting world. Even with a disappointing 4-8 record for the 2017 season, Syracuse is a program on the rise, thanks to the efforts of Dino Babers and his staff on the recruiting trail. After the early signing […]

For the CFB Playoff, do Conference Championships Matter?

As we gear up for the fourth edition of the College Football Playoff, there is at least one fan base left #madonline over the committee’s decision. Ohio State, with an early loss to Oklahoma (the second seed in the playoff) and a mid-season meltdown against Iowa (7-5 record, New Era Pinstripe Bowl invite), was left […]

The SU Podcast Episode 11: Conor McGregor vs The Mafia

The Student Union Sports Podcast offers you an inside look at college sports from the perspective of actual college students while also highlighting our talented student writers. Today’s show includes hot takes from Student Union writers Andrew Grimes, Brendan Smith, and Johnny Rambos. Be sure to chirp us and let us know what you think […]

Abrupt Departure of Geno Thorpe puts Syracuse in Tough Spot

Geno Thorpe’s tenure in orange has come to an end, as the team announced Friday that Thorpe would be leaving the program for personal reasons. The next day, Syracuse traveled to Miami to face the Kansas Jayhawks in the HoopHall Miami Invitational. Syracuse was blown out in that game, losing by a final score of […]