A poorly kept West Texas secret was revealed Saturday afternoon when star wide receiver Tyrin Smith announced his return to UTEP after a spring semester transfer to Texas A&M. Smith started all 12 games for the Miners in 2022, leading the program in receptions (71), receiving yards (1,039) and receiving touchdowns (seven). Smith was an honorable mention All-CUSA selection from a UTEP squad that missed a bowl game with a 5-7 record. 

Smith transferred to Texas A&M following the season to, at least on paper, replace the departing Ainias Smith. The only problem was that Smith never left. An injury caused him to reconsider declaring for the NFL Draft and eventually returned to the Aggies. That left Smith without a starting role and back to El Paso. 

His return is a major jolt for a Miners team poised for a bowl bid in 2023 thanks to a new-look Conference USA. Dana Dimel feels like the playing field is much more even for his program and expects the disappointment from last season to propel his current squad to a .500 or better record in 2023.