ECU Adds Tight End Transfer Ismael Smith Flores

East Carolina has added another piece to its offensive rebuild through the transfer portal, as tight end Ismael Smith Flores announced his commitment to the Pirates following an official visit to Greenville.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Flores arrives at East Carolina Pirates with college experience across multiple stops. He began his career at Nebraska, where he bounced between offense and defense early on before eventually entering the transfer portal. Flores later landed at Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, where he settled in at tight end full time and quickly became a red-zone weapon.

At the FCS level, Flores made an immediate impact. He hauled in 20 receptions for 244 yards and six touchdowns, showing a knack for finishing drives and creating mismatches with his size and frame. His production, particularly near the goal line, stood out and helped put him on the radar as a portal target this offseason.

With ECU reshaping its roster following multiple departures at tight end, Flores is expected to compete for playing time right away. The position group will feature plenty of youth moving forward, including freshmen Stephen Collier, Kaleb Morrow, and Cayman Reynolds.

That landscape gives Flores a clear opportunity to carve out a role quickly, especially as the Pirates look to add size, experience, and reliability to the middle of the field and in short-yardage situations. His versatility and scoring production make him an intriguing addition as ECU continues to reload through the portal.