Clemson’s approach to the 2026 transfer portal cycle has raised eyebrows - and sparked some sharp national reactions - not because they sat out, but because of where they chose to invest. After years of barely dipping their toes into the portal waters, the Tigers dove in headfirst this offseason, bringing in 10 new players. But here’s the twist: nine of them are on defense.
Let’s break it down.
A Defensive Overhaul, Not a Balanced Attack
For a program that had signed just six transfers total from 2018 through last offseason, Clemson’s sudden surge to 10 additions is a seismic shift. This is, without question, the most aggressive portal push of the Dabo Swinney era. But what’s turning heads isn’t just the quantity - it’s the allocation.
Of the 10 new faces, five are defensive linemen: London Merritt, Markus Strong, Kourtney Kelly, Andy Burburija, and C.J. Wesley.
That’s a full rotation of fresh talent up front. Add in four defensive backs - Donovan Starr, Elliot Washington II, Jerome Carter, and Corey Myrick - and you’ve got a defense getting a serious facelift.
On the other side of the ball? Just one addition: former SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr., a speed threat who adds some juice to the backfield but doesn’t address the bigger questions looming over the offense.
Why the Portal Strategy Is Drawing Fire
The national critique - most notably from CBS Sports - isn’t about whether Clemson used the portal. It’s about how they used it. The Tigers’ decision to load up on defense while leaving quarterback and offensive line untouched has drawn criticism, especially in light of last year’s offensive struggles.
In 2025, Clemson ranked 62nd in the country in yards per play. That’s middle-of-the-pack, but dig deeper and the concerns grow.
The Tigers were among the worst in pressure rate allowed and struggled to create yards before contact in the run game. Those are the kinds of metrics that scream for help up front - and yet, Clemson didn’t bring in a single offensive lineman from the portal.
That’s where the skepticism comes in. The Tigers are betting big on internal development to fix their offensive line, and that’s a risky wager in today’s transfer-driven landscape.
The Quarterback Question
Then there’s the quarterback room.
With Cade Klubnik moving on, Clemson had the opportunity to chase a veteran presence in the portal - someone who could step in and stabilize the offense during a transition year. Instead, they’re rolling with Christopher Vizzina, a talented but largely untested option who’s seen limited action over the past two seasons.
Vizzina has shown flashes, no doubt. But in bypassing the portal, Clemson is doubling down on a long-standing philosophy: develop from within, trust your process, and avoid the quick fix.
That approach has worked in the past. But with no proven backup and no veteran presence in the room, the margin for error shrinks dramatically.
A Spotlight From the Start
Context matters here, and the 2026 schedule isn’t doing Clemson any favors. They open the season in Baton Rouge against LSU - a team that’s been praised for its portal work - and also face road tests against Florida State and Duke, both of whom were also labeled as portal “losers” by CBS Sports.
That opener against LSU is going to be a litmus test. It’s not just about who wins - it’s about how Clemson’s roster decisions hold up against a team that took a very different approach to the offseason.
What It All Means
Let’s be clear: Clemson didn’t sit this portal cycle out. They made moves - big ones, especially on defense.
But the national “loser” label isn’t about inactivity. It’s about imbalance.
This is a calculated bet. Clemson is wagering that a reloaded defense, continuity on offense, and internal growth - particularly along the offensive line - will be enough to compete at a high level without adding proven talent at quarterback or in the trenches.
That’s a bold stance in an era where the portal can reshape a roster overnight. Whether it pays off will be evident early, and with LSU waiting in Week 1, the spotlight will be bright and unforgiving.
One thing’s certain: Clemson’s 2026 season won’t lack intrigue.