Clemson Sets Transfer Portal Record, But Questions Linger on Offense
Dabo Swinney and Clemson football have made a clear statement this offseason: the Tigers are finally embracing the transfer portal in a way we haven’t seen before. After years of cautious dipping into portal waters, Clemson dove in headfirst this cycle, bringing in a program-record 10 transfers - more than they’d added in the previous seven years combined.
That total includes a whopping nine defensive additions and just one on offense. It's a dramatic shift for a program that has traditionally leaned heavily on high school recruiting and internal development.
But after a season where the defense faltered and depth issues were exposed, Clemson’s staff - led by defensive coordinator Tom Allen - knew they had to act. And they did.
Let’s break down what Clemson gained, what they missed, and where things stand heading into 2026.
A Defensive Overhaul That Was Badly Needed
Clemson’s defense was hit hard this offseason. Seven starters departed - some to the NFL Draft, others via the portal, and a few simply ran out of eligibility.
Even before those losses, the unit had issues, particularly in coverage and depth. Allen didn’t mince words during the season about the need to get more aggressive in the portal, and he followed through.
Clemson added four defensive linemen, two cornerbacks, two safeties, and a linebacker. That’s a full rotation of talent, and more importantly, experience.
At safety, the Tigers brought in Jerome Carter III from Old Dominion and Corey Myrick from Southern Miss. Carter is a ball-hawking safety who tied for second in FBS with six interceptions last season.
He’s a playmaker - plain and simple - and Clemson needs more of those on the back end. Myrick, with his 6-foot-3 frame and versatility, could slot in as the nickel.
He’s physical, rangy, and has the kind of size that can create mismatches in Clemson’s favor.
In the cornerback room, Elliot Washington II, who played under Allen at Penn State, brings familiarity with the system and speed to burn. He’ll be in the mix to start opposite Ashton Hampton. Donovan Starr, a transfer from Auburn, adds more depth and athleticism to a group that needed both.
Up front, London Merritt (Colorado), Markus Strong (Oklahoma), Kourtney Kelly (West Georgia), and CJ Wesley (Howard) give Clemson much-needed rotational depth. With edge rushers Will Heldt and Jahiem Lawson, and tackles Vic Burley and Amare Adams returning, Clemson’s front four could be one of the deepest units on the team - if not the most experienced.
Linebacker Luke Ferrelli (Cal), the reigning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, is a name to watch. If he stays - and that’s still an “if” - he’ll compete to start next to Sammy Brown, giving Clemson a fast, instinctive duo in the middle. Add in Jeremiah Alexander and Kobe McCloud, and this linebacker unit could quietly become a strength.
Offensive Help? Not So Much
While the defense got a full facelift, the offense saw just one addition: SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr. He’s a solid get - brings speed, experience, and can contribute right away - but he’s also not the kind of game-changer Clemson fans were hoping for, especially with glaring holes elsewhere.
The biggest concern? Quarterback.
With Cade Klubnik out of eligibility, the Tigers are heading into 2026 with major uncertainty under center. Christopher Vizzina has just one start in three years.
Chris Denson and Trent Pearman have never started. And while Brock Bradley and Tait Reynolds are promising freshmen, it’s rare for a true freshman QB to step in and thrive at the Power Five level.
Clemson didn’t add a transfer quarterback, and that’s a gamble. Whether it’s a vote of confidence in the current room or a case of missing on their top targets, the result is the same: the Tigers are heading into spring with more questions than answers at the most important position on the field.
Then there’s the offensive line.
Clemson lost four starters - Blake Miller, Tristan Leigh, Ryan Linthicum, and Walker Parks - all due to eligibility. That’s a massive chunk of experience gone. The Tigers tried to reload through the portal but missed on every target, including Lance Heard (Tennessee), Kojo Poku (ECU), Stanton Ramil (Michigan State), and Johnnie Brown III (Georgia Southern).
That leaves Harris Sewell, Collin Sadler, Elyjah Thurmon, and Brayden Jacobs as the projected starters. There’s talent in that group, but the depth behind them is thin, and the margin for error is razor-thin. One injury could create a domino effect.
What the Rankings Say
Clemson’s 2026 transfer class is ranked No. 65 nationally by 247Sports - the highest in program history. That might not sound like much, but for a program that used to avoid the portal altogether, it’s a significant step forward.
Still, in the ACC, the class ranks just 15th, ahead of only Pitt and Stanford. That speaks to how aggressive other programs have become in reshaping their rosters through the portal - and how Clemson is still playing catch-up in some areas.
Final Takeaway
Clemson made real progress in the transfer portal this offseason, particularly on defense. Tom Allen identified the Tigers’ biggest weaknesses and addressed them with experience and upside. That side of the ball should be deeper, faster, and more physical in 2026.
But the offensive side? That’s still a work in progress.
No quarterback, no offensive linemen, and a wide-open competition at several key spots. If the Tigers want to compete at the highest level next season, they’ll need internal development to take a big leap - or hope that another wave of portal options opens up post-spring.
For now, Clemson fans can feel good about the defensive upgrades. But the offense? That’s where the anxiety lies heading into spring ball.