Even with the transfer portal window officially closed, Clemson’s offseason work is far from done. The Tigers are still actively shaping their 2026 roster, and the focus has zeroed in on one of the program’s most critical areas: the defensive front.
It’s not a full-scale overhaul, but rather a strategic retooling - a familiar formula under Dabo Swinney. Clemson continues to lean on a veteran core while filling in the gaps with experienced, targeted additions through the portal.
Brien Taylor Jr. Set to Visit Clemson
One of those potential additions is Florida edge rusher Brien Taylor Jr., who’s scheduled to visit Clemson on Monday after a weekend stop at Tennessee. Taylor brings an intriguing mix of upside and experience - the kind of player who fits Clemson’s mold of developmental depth with immediate rotational value.
Taylor’s path has been anything but linear. A former standout at Blinn College, he rose to four-star JUCO status before landing at Florida.
Over two seasons with the Gators, he worked his way into a rotational role, and in 2025, he started to flash. He posted 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble - not eye-popping numbers, but enough to suggest he’s trending in the right direction.
With T.J. Parker off to the NFL after a first-round-caliber season, Clemson’s edge depth is under the microscope.
The Tigers return All-ACC defensive end Will Heldt and senior Jahiem Lawson, and they’ve already added London Merritt (Colorado) and C.J. Wesley (Howard) from the portal.
Still, there’s room for one more contributor - especially one like Taylor, who brings positional flexibility. He’s lined up both on the edge and inside, giving defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin more options to mix and match.
One caveat: Taylor’s eligibility is still pending. He’s awaiting a junior college waiver that could grant him a fifth season. If that comes through, and the visit goes well, Clemson could be adding a versatile piece to a room that’s already getting a facelift.
Interior Line Help Still on the Radar
Clemson’s not just focused on the edge, though. The Tigers are also keeping close tabs on Iowa Western defensive tackle Andy Burburija - one of the most productive JUCO linemen in the country. Burburija just committed to Nebraska, but his recruitment has been a whirlwind, and Clemson isn’t out of the picture.
At 290 pounds, Burburija brings serious juice to the interior. He racked up 11 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss last season - elite numbers for a defensive tackle at any level.
His recruitment has already included stints at Washington State and Kansas State before he hit the portal again following a coaching change. That kind of movement underscores both his talent and how chaotic the portal process can be.
Clemson has already added Markus Strong (Oklahoma) and Kourtney Kelly (West Georgia) to bolster the interior, but the staff has been open about wanting one more rotational piece to stabilize the front seven. Burburija, if he flips, could be that guy - someone who can make an impact right away while learning in a system built on consistency and development.
Departures: Familiar Faces, New Homes
Of course, while Clemson is adding, it’s also saying goodbye to a number of contributors - many of whom are landing at other Power Four programs.
Safety Khalil Barnes, a 30-game starter with seven career interceptions, is heading to Georgia. Ricardo Jones, who tied for the ACC lead with six interceptions in 2025, is off to Vanderbilt. Defensive tackle Stephiylan Green, coming off his most active season in orange, is transferring to LSU.
Tight end Josh Sapp is moving on to West Virginia, while offensive lineman Rowan Byrne joins North Carolina. Cornerback Shelton Lewis is now at Arkansas.
Linebackers Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson are off to UNLV and SMU, respectively. Safety Rob Billings, who appeared in 32 games for Clemson, is also heading to UNLV.
That’s a significant amount of experience walking out the door - but it’s also part of the modern college football landscape. Clemson isn’t immune to the portal churn, but the program’s philosophy hasn’t changed.
Big Picture: Strategic Additions, Steady Identity
Clemson’s approach to roster building remains deliberate. This isn’t about replacing talent wholesale - it’s about reinforcing the foundation. The Tigers continue to trust their internal development pipeline while using the portal to plug specific holes.
Whether Brien Taylor Jr. becomes the next addition or Andy Burburija’s recruitment takes another turn, the Tigers are clearly focused on fortifying the defensive front. With the 2026 season on the horizon, that unit will be a defining piece of Clemson’s identity.
The portal window may be closed, but for Clemson, roster construction is very much alive.