Clemson Tigers Land Penn State Transfer Defensive Back Elliot Washington II
January 6, 2026
In a significant move to bolster their secondary, the Clemson Tigers have secured their first transfer portal commitment of the 2026 cycle: Penn State defensive back Elliot Washington II. The former Nittany Lion announced his pledge to Clemson on Monday, January 5, 2026, following an official visit to campus the previous day.Washington, a versatile cornerback/nickel with one year of eligibility remaining, brings valuable experience from three seasons at Penn State.
Over his career in Happy Valley, he accumulated 53 tackles, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions. In the 2025 season, he appeared in multiple games as a rotational player, recording 18 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception.Ranked as high as No. 192 in the transfer portal by 247Sports (and No. 266 by On3), Washington represents a targeted addition for head coach Dabo Swinney and defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
Notably, Washington played under Allen during the 2024 season at Penn State, when the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff. This prior connection likely played a key role in his decision to reunite with Allen in Death Valley.Clemson’s secondary faced challenges in 2025, contributing to a season that fell short of playoff expectations. The Tigers have already seen several departures via the portal, making Washington’s commitment a timely boost.
This marks Clemson’s first portal addition of the current window and the fourth traditional transfer under Swinney’s tenure (following Jeremiah Alexander, Tristan Smith, and Will Heldt from the previous cycle).Washington, a four-star recruit out of Venice High School in Florida (Class of 2023), chose Clemson amid a portal process that began in mid-December after a disappointing 6-6 regular season for Penn State.
With the transfer portal window open through mid-January, expect Clemson to remain active as they aim to reload for a 2026 rebound. Washington’s versatility and familiarity with Allen’s scheme position him as an immediate contributor in the Tigers’ defensive backfield.
