After years of skepticism about the transfer portal, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has orchestrated the program’s most aggressive free agency stretch in its history. The Tigers have landed seven defensive transfers and smashed their previous single-season record of three players. While Swinney has primarily targeted the defensive position group, it’s still not enough. Clemson still needs to add depth at three key positions.

Edge Rushers

The Tigers’ defensive line took a massive hit this offseason, particularly at the edge rusher position. With star edge rusher T.J. Parker declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, Clemson’s pass rush has been gutted. While Will Heldt’s return for his senior season provides a major boost, the depth behind him remains a major concern. That issue is only magnified by Markus Dixon’s transfer to another program, leaving the Tigers without the rotational pieces they’ve long relied on to maintain their aggressive defensive scheme. 

Secondaries

Though the Tigers have already added three defensive backs through the portal, Clemson’s personnel crisis remains far from resolved. Khalil Barnes, a three-year starter who logged in 30 games over three seasons and earned All-American honors as a freshman, has bolted for Georgia. Rob Billings has also entered the portal, and Ricardo Jones, who tied for the ACC lead with six interceptions in 2025, transferred out, too.

In short, the losses have piled on rather quickly. Meanwhile, Shelton Lewis had already informed the program back in October that he wouldn’t be returning. That means the four safeties and cornerbacks are gone, which creates massive depth concerns for them, even after they have landed players like Elliot Washington, Donovan Starr, and Jerome Carte III. Donovan Starr brings elite speed and athleticism, while Carter is expected to compete for a starting safety role immediately. However you look at it, Clemson could still use another veteran presence or two to round out the rotation and provide insurance against injuries.​

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Defensive Linemen

With the additions of Kourtney Kelly and Markus Strong, Clemson’s defensive tackle position has already been addressed. However, the losses suggest Clemson might not be finished shopping just yet. Stephiylan Green’s departure to the portal represented a significant blow. He showed promise as a potential starter and provided crucial depth. Caden Story also left the program, further thinning out the rotation at a position that requires heavy substitution.

DeMonte Capehart and Peter Woods are declaring for the NFL Draft. So, the Tigers have lost nearly their entire two-deep at defensive tackle. Strong brings three years of experience from Oklahoma, and Kelly adds a developmental piece. But defensive coordinator Tom Allen will likely push for at least one more experienced interior lineman who can contribute immediately. 

Final Thoughts

The good news for Clemson’s aggressive portal approach is that there’s plenty of space on the roster to keep adding talent. With the NCAA’s new roster limit expanded to 105 scholarships, the Tigers have approximately 20 spots available after accounting for departures, graduations, and NFL Draft declarations. This isn’t the old 85-scholarship world where every addition required careful calculus. Dabo Swinney now has the flexibility to stockpile depth at critical positions without forcing difficult roster decisions. 

While he’s historically prioritized fit and culture over pure volume, the math works heavily in Clemson’s favor right now. The Tigers have already landed quality players. Bottom line? Don’t expect Dabo to sit still. He will probably be working the phones through the end of the transfer window.​