Robert Morris Set to Get Impact Guard Back Next Season

In an era in which college players staying at one place for more than a single season is a rarity, as evident by the massive turnover last offseason within the Robert Morris program, head coach Andy Toole is enjoying greater success this go around a third core player from this past season’s team intends on returning to the Colonials next year.

Starting guard Ta’Zir Smith told Robert Morris Sports Now that he is returning to the Colonials for the 2026-27 season.

Robert Morris guard Ta’Zir Smith eyes up the basket prior to a free throw attempt during the Horizon League semifinal game against Detroit Mercy on March 8, 2026 — Ed Thompson // Pittsburgh Sports Now

Smith started the first 11 games of the season for Robert Morris but experienced some shortcomings offensively which forced Toole to move him to the bench for the remaining 20 games of the year but it was a move that paid off for Smith and the Colonials as he transformed into a key contributor.

Once Smith grew into his role and became comfortable in his first real season at the Division-I level, his production and shooting percentages skyrocketed. He set career highs in points (18), field goals made (10) and three-pointers made (4) in the Colonials’ 93-69 win over Oakland in late February.

In total, Smith averaged 6.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game across 19.1 minutes during his first season at Robert Morris.

Smith joins fellow guard Darius Livingston Jr. and forward Samuel Obenjo as the three returnees for next season. Wing player Eddie Cooke III is the last unknown of the offseason.

With two starting caliber guards and a young forward that came on strong down the stretch of the season locked into next year’s roster, Toole and his staff have some pieces to build around through the transfer portal this offseason.