Clemson DC Tom Allen Eyes Transfer Portal to Bolster Defense, Especially in the Secondary
Tom Allen isn’t waiting for the offseason to start retooling Clemson’s defense. With the Tigers still prepping for the Pinstripe Bowl, Clemson’s defensive coordinator is already deep into roster evaluation mode-and he’s making it clear that fixing the defense is priority number one.
Speaking during bowl-week media availability, Allen was refreshingly candid about where things stand after his first season running the Tigers’ defense. There were encouraging flashes in 2025, no doubt-but across the board, the unit didn’t consistently meet the high standard Clemson fans have come to expect. That reality has Allen looking squarely at the transfer portal as a key part of the solution.
“To me, it’s about how do you improve your roster,” Allen said. “We’ve had a lot of discussions about that. You either improve your roster by recruiting guys out of high school, or you do it by utilizing the transfer portal.”
Allen made it clear: Clemson’s going to do both. But don’t expect a scattershot approach. The Tigers are targeting specific positions-and the secondary is right at the top of that list.
Secondary a Clear Area of Focus
If there’s one area where Clemson’s defense struggled to find its footing in 2025, it was in the back end. The Tigers gave up 250.5 passing yards per game during the regular season-a number that landed them outside the top 100 nationally in pass defense. While the group did show signs of progress late in the year, Allen knows that kind of production won’t cut it in the ACC, especially with the explosive offenses Clemson faces week in and week out.
Safety play, in particular, lacked the consistency needed to anchor the defense. And with potential roster turnover looming, Allen didn’t mince words: the Tigers need help, and they need it fast.
“Being able to obviously address that through the portal,” Allen said. “I just think that is an obvious thing we are going to need to do at multiple positions.”
This isn’t about plugging holes with warm bodies. Allen wants the right players-guys who bring not just experience, but the mentality and physical tools to elevate Clemson’s style of play.
More Than Just Experience-Fit Is Everything
Allen emphasized that it’s not just about grabbing the most experienced player available. Culture fit, mindset, and physical traits matter just as much as playing time logged. He’s looking for defenders who can play fast, play tough, and bring an edge that reflects the way he wants Clemson’s defense to operate.
“We want to improve our roster to put us in a position to play the way I want us to play,” Allen said, “both structurally and attitude-wise, and mindset-wise.”
That means players who can thrive in Clemson’s locker room, not just on the field. Allen’s vision includes defenders who bring speed, toughness, and a chip on their shoulder-traits he’s been preaching since day one.
“It’s still about getting the right fit,” he said. “For the locker room, the culture, and the way you want to play your style of defense.”
Eyes on 2026-But No Time to Waste
Once the final whistle blows in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27, the Tigers won’t be easing into the offseason. Allen made it clear: the evaluation process is already in motion, and the transfer portal will be a major tool in reshaping the defense heading into 2026.
Development of current players remains important, but Allen isn’t sugarcoating it-Clemson needs reinforcements. And in today’s college football landscape, the portal isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity.
For Clemson to get back to playing elite-level defense, the Tigers will need to hit on the right additions this winter. And if Allen’s urgency is any indication, they’re not wasting any time getting to work.