Harvard defensive tackle Chris Smith announced Wednesday afternoon that he will be transferring to Minnesota with one year of eligibility remaining. He chose the Golden Gophers over offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Vanderbilt after an in-home visit from head coach P.J. Fleck, defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, and defensive line coach Brick Haley. Smith was on campus for an official visit the previous weekend.
Smith finished last season ranked fifth on the team in tackles, racking up 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. He earned First Team All-Ivy League Honors at the end of the year.