Utah’s Smith Snowden, Tao Johnson Plan to Enter Transfer Portal
Jan 2, 2026, 9:32 AM | Updated: 12:04 pm
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 29: Smith Snowden #2 of the Utah Utes returns a punt in the third quarter of a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — A couple of familiar names from Utah are on the move. Cornerback Smith Snowden and safety Tao Johnson intend to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to multiple reports, and sources confirmed.
These are two more significant portal entries, after John Henry Daley announced his intentions earlier this week. This adds another layer of staff and roster churn as the Utes navigate a program-wide transition entering the Morgan Scalley era.
Smith Snowden to the transfer portal
Snowden was a leader in the in the locker room, special teams asset, and defensive confidence booster. Losing his experience means Utah will have a hole to replace in the secondary. This decision is significant but not a complete shock. His portal entry has been rumored, even anticipated since the conclusion of the season.
He even chipped in on offense and special teams, tallying 13 receptions for 57 yards and a rushing touchdown and 2 kickoff returns in 2025, showcasing his athletic versatility — a trait not every DB carries at the Power Five level, especially in a secondary room loaded with competition
Snowden’s skill set is real — dependable in zone, confident in man-to-man. Season after season, production ticked up. The 2025 season did not include that last big step in his performance, but was still a dynamic playmaker.
For Utah, the loss is significant but it is manageable. There are will be opportunities for younger corners, but it also removes a seasoned chess piece from a defense that prizes versatility.
Utah Safety Tao Johnson Enters the Transfer Portal
The senior safety — a versatile piece of Utah’s secondary and one of the few consistent contributors in recent seasons — has entered the NCAA transfer portal, as confirmed by multiple sources following his social media announcement and reporting around the portal cycle.
Johnson’s route to this point has been anything but conventional. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, he switched to defense in 2023 and quickly established himself as a versatile, instinctive defensive back capable of playing both safety and nickel roles.
The Bottom Line
Both Snowden and Johnson to the transfer portal does sting — and not just because they’re familiar names. These aren’t fringe figures — they’re experienced defenders whose departures create noticeable gaps in Utah’s secondary.
That said, neither exit signals dysfunction. Both players enter the portal precisely because their skill sets are noteworthy and will attract significant interest and money.
Another dynamic to this is that Utah found impact contributors from more cost-effective portal additions last year. With examples of Jackson Bennee and Blake Cotton, Utah coaches proved that player development is still very real.
