Clemson Basketball’s 2026-27 Offseason: A Major Roster and Staff Overhaul amid Transfers In/Out

• Associate head coach Billy Donlon, who left to become head coach at Eastern Michigan.
• Longtime assistant Dick Bender, who retired after decades in coaching.
• Special assistant Jeff Reynolds, who stepped away for family reasons.
• Assistants Lucas McKay (to Oklahoma) and Sean Dixon (to Louisville), departing shortly after initial replacements were hired.

To rebuild, Clemson added Chad Warner and Chris Harriman as assistant coaches, brought in Andre Morgan from Cincinnati to serve as special assistant to the head coach, and hired Tyler Murray as the program’s new general manager. These moves emphasize recruiting versatility (including international talent) and player development, areas Brownell has leaned on heavily during his tenure. The changes reflect the demands of the modern transfer portal landscape, where staff continuity aids in rapid roster construction.Player Departures: Graduation Losses and Portal ExitsClemson lost five seniors to graduation or exhausted eligibility, plus two key transfers who entered the portal:Graduation/Eligibility Losses:

• Dillon Hunter (guard): A steady floor general and assist leader.
• Jestin Porter (guard): One of the team’s top three-point threats.
• RJ Godfrey (forward): The leading scorer (12.0 ppg) and a versatile frontcourt piece.
• Nick Davidson (forward): A reliable rotation big from the prior transfer class.
• Butta Johnson (guard): Entered the portal (with a waiver request for extra eligibility) after averaging 6.3 ppg; listed among eligibility departures in some reports.

Transfers Out:

• Jake Wahlin (forward, 6-10): Started 29 of 35 games, averaging 5.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg in his lone season after transferring from Utah. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
• Butta Johnson (as noted above).

These exits created voids in scoring, three-point shooting, rebounding, and frontcourt size—particularly with Godfrey and Davidson’s production no longer available. The departures marked the second consecutive year of heavy roster turnover for Brownell.The Returning Core: Youth and Experience BlendedClemson returns seven players, providing a foundation of familiarity—mostly sophomores and redshirt sophomores, plus one veteran big:

• Ace Buckner (RSo, G, 6-3): Emerged as a starter late in 2025-26 (8.3 ppg), known for aggression and shot creation.
• Zac Foster (So, G, 6-4): Expected to orchestrate the offense with strong vision and tempo; recovering from an ACL tear but projected back early.
• Chase Thompson (So, F, 6-8): Saw limited minutes (2.3 ppg) but gains a larger role with frontcourt losses.
• Dallas Thomas (RSo, F, 6-9) and Blake Davidson (RFr, F, 6-9): Depth pieces ready for expanded opportunities.
• Trent Steinour (So, F/C, 6-10): Minimal production last year but adds size.
• Carter Welling (Sr, F/C, 6-11): A major bright spot if healthy—second in scoring (10.2 ppg), rebounding (5.4 rpg), and blocks last season—but suffered a torn ACL in the ACC Tournament. Recovery timeline (typically 9-12 months) makes his availability uncertain; he could redshirt if needed.

The returners skew young and guard-heavy, offering continuity in the backcourt but testing the frontcourt without Welling’s rim protection early on.Incoming Transfers: Immediate Impact Additions, Broken DownBrownell struck quickly in the portal (which closed April 21, 2026), adding three experienced players who address specific needs in shooting, scoring, and interior presence. All bring eligibility for at least one more season.

• Cole Certa (So./Jr.-eligible, G, 6-5, from Notre Dame): Committed April 12 after a campus visit. In 2025-26, the breakout sophomore averaged 12.8 ppg in 31 games (16 starts), shooting 37.4% FG, 36.7% from three, and 89.2% from the line. He led Notre Dame in scoring multiple times, with explosive stretches (three 30+ point games, including 37 vs. Georgia Tech) and clutch performance. Certa adds perimeter scoring, spacing, and ACC experience—perfect for off-the-bench or starting guard minutes alongside Buckner and Foster. His growth from 2.5 ppg as a freshman highlights his development potential.
• Dylan Faulkner (Sr., F, 6-9, from Samford): Committed April 17. A proven producer in the SoCon, he posted 17.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, and 1.5 bpg while shooting 61.7% FG across 30 games. He earned All-SoCon First Team and All-Defensive Team honors. The athletic, high-motor big fills the void left by Godfrey and Davidson, providing immediate rebounding, interior scoring, and shot-blocking. As a likely starter (especially with Welling sidelined), Faulkner’s one year of eligibility makes him a “win-now” piece in Brownell’s system.
• Liutauras Lelevicius (Sr., G/F, 6-7, from TCU; prior stop at Oregon State): Committed April 20. The Lithuanian import averaged 8.0 ppg in limited action but shot efficiently (45.7% FG, 38% from three). His length (6-7 wingspan) and versatility allow him to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. Lelevicius brings international poise and experience against high-level competition, bolstering wing depth and three-point shooting lost from Porter and Johnson. He’s expected to contribute immediately in rotation or starting lineups.

These transfers netted a guard, a versatile forward, and a proven interior scorer—directly targeting the gaps from departures.Freshman Class: High-Upside YouthClemson signed three high school prospects from the class of 2026:

• Harris Reynolds (Fr., G, 6-5, four-star): Athletic scorer and shot-creator from St. Pius X Catholic (GA); ranked as a top-125 national prospect. Immediate bench contributor potential.
• Will Stevens (Fr., C, 6-10, four-star): Skilled post player with passing and three-point range from Davidson Day (NC); North Carolina’s top prospect. Adds size and stretch-big versatility.
• Amare James (Fr., G, 6-6, three-star): Versatile wing/guard from Wheeler (GA); brings length and athleticism.

The class emphasizes size and skill, providing long-term depth while potentially contributing as freshmen in a rotation that values versatility.Team Needs and 2026-27 OutlookKey Needs Addressed:

• Perimeter shooting and scoring: Certa and Lelevicius replace lost 3PT production.
• Frontcourt presence: Faulkner (and Stevens) mitigate the loss of size/rebounding; Welling’s potential return would be transformative.
• Depth and experience: Transfers bring instant veterans; young returners gain reps.

Remaining Questions:

• Bench thinness (fewer rotation players than 2025-26).
• Welling’s health and timeline.
• Development of sophomores and freshmen in a competitive ACC.

Projected starters (per recent analysis): G Zac Foster, G Ace Buckner, G/F Liutauras Lelevicius, F Chase Thompson, F Dylan Faulkner—with Certa and others off the bench. If Welling returns mid-season, he could slot in at forward/center.Brownell has built sustained success with portal-heavy rosters, and this group blends youth with proven talent. The Tigers will push for a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance—the first such streak since 2008-11—but face challenges in a deep ACC. With guard play as a strength and transfers providing scoring punch, Clemson looks poised for another 20-win season and tournament contention, provided the frontcourt stabilizes and the new staff gels quickly. The dream of deeper March runs remains alive in Death Valley.

Clemson Basketball’s 2026-27 Offseason: A Major Roster and Staff Overhaul Amid the Transfer Era

Clemson men’s basketball concluded the 2025-26 season with a strong 24-11 record (12-6 in the ACC), earning its third straight NCAA Tournament berth under head coach Brad Brownell—though it ended in a first-round exit. The Tigers entered the offseason facing significant turnover, as the transfer portal and graduation claimed key contributors from a roster that relied heavily on veterans and portal additions the prior year. Brownell responded aggressively, landing three impactful transfers while signing a promising freshman class, all while navigating one of the largest coaching staff shakeups in recent program history. With 13 scholarship players currently on the roster (and two spots potentially remaining), the Tigers are positioned for another competitive ACC campaign, but questions remain about frontcourt depth, injury recovery, and integrating youth.Coaching Staff: A Complete RemakeBrownell’s staff underwent its most significant overhaul in years. Outgoing departures included:

• Associate head coach Billy Donlon, who left to become head coach at Eastern Michigan.
• Longtime assistant Dick Bender, who retired after decades in coaching.
• Special assistant Jeff Reynolds, who stepped away for family reasons.
• Assistants Lucas McKay (to Oklahoma) and Sean Dixon (to Louisville), departing shortly after initial replacements were hired.

To rebuild, Clemson added Chad Warner and Chris Harriman as assistant coaches, brought in Andre Morgan from Cincinnati to serve as special assistant to the head coach, and hired Tyler Murray as the program’s new general manager. These moves emphasize recruiting versatility (including international talent) and player development, areas Brownell has leaned on heavily during his tenure. The changes reflect the demands of the modern transfer portal landscape, where staff continuity aids in rapid roster construction.Player Departures: Graduation Losses and Portal ExitsClemson lost five seniors to graduation or exhausted eligibility, plus two key transfers who entered the portal:Graduation/Eligibility Losses:

• Dillon Hunter (guard): A steady floor general and assist leader.
• Jestin Porter (guard): One of the team’s top three-point threats.
• RJ Godfrey (forward): The leading scorer (12.0 ppg) and a versatile frontcourt piece.
• Nick Davidson (forward): A reliable rotation big from the prior transfer class.
• Butta Johnson (guard): Entered the portal (with a waiver request for extra eligibility) after averaging 6.3 ppg; listed among eligibility departures in some reports.

Transfers Out:

• Jake Wahlin (forward, 6-10): Started 29 of 35 games, averaging 5.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg in his lone season after transferring from Utah. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
• Butta Johnson (as noted above).

These exits created voids in scoring, three-point shooting, rebounding, and frontcourt size—particularly with Godfrey and Davidson’s production no longer available. The departures marked the second consecutive year of heavy roster turnover for Brownell.The Returning Core: Youth and Experience BlendedClemson returns seven players, providing a foundation of familiarity—mostly sophomores and redshirt sophomores, plus one veteran big:

• Ace Buckner (RSo, G, 6-3): Emerged as a starter late in 2025-26 (8.3 ppg), known for aggression and shot creation.
• Zac Foster (So, G, 6-4): Expected to orchestrate the offense with strong vision and tempo; recovering from an ACL tear but projected back early.
• Chase Thompson (So, F, 6-8): Saw limited minutes (2.3 ppg) but gains a larger role with frontcourt losses.
• Dallas Thomas (RSo, F, 6-9) and Blake Davidson (RFr, F, 6-9): Depth pieces ready for expanded opportunities.
• Trent Steinour (So, F/C, 6-10): Minimal production last year but adds size.
• Carter Welling (Sr, F/C, 6-11): A major bright spot if healthy—second in scoring (10.2 ppg), rebounding (5.4 rpg), and blocks last season—but suffered a torn ACL in the ACC Tournament. Recovery timeline (typically 9-12 months) makes his availability uncertain; he could redshirt if needed.

The returners skew young and guard-heavy, offering continuity in the backcourt but testing the frontcourt without Welling’s rim protection early on.Incoming Transfers: Immediate Impact Additions, Broken DownBrownell struck quickly in the portal (which closed April 21, 2026), adding three experienced players who address specific needs in shooting, scoring, and interior presence. All bring eligibility for at least one more season.

• Cole Certa (So./Jr.-eligible, G, 6-5, from Notre Dame): Committed April 12 after a campus visit. In 2025-26, the breakout sophomore averaged 12.8 ppg in 31 games (16 starts), shooting 37.4% FG, 36.7% from three, and 89.2% from the line. He led Notre Dame in scoring multiple times, with explosive stretches (three 30+ point games, including 37 vs. Georgia Tech) and clutch performance. Certa adds perimeter scoring, spacing, and ACC experience—perfect for off-the-bench or starting guard minutes alongside Buckner and Foster. His growth from 2.5 ppg as a freshman highlights his development potential.
• Dylan Faulkner (Sr., F, 6-9, from Samford): Committed April 17. A proven producer in the SoCon, he posted 17.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, and 1.5 bpg while shooting 61.7% FG across 30 games. He earned All-SoCon First Team and All-Defensive Team honors. The athletic, high-motor big fills the void left by Godfrey and Davidson, providing immediate rebounding, interior scoring, and shot-blocking. As a likely starter (especially with Welling sidelined), Faulkner’s one year of eligibility makes him a “win-now” piece in Brownell’s system.
• Liutauras Lelevicius (Sr., G/F, 6-7, from TCU; prior stop at Oregon State): Committed April 20. The Lithuanian import averaged 8.0 ppg in limited action but shot efficiently (45.7% FG, 38% from three). His length (6-7 wingspan) and versatility allow him to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. Lelevicius brings international poise and experience against high-level competition, bolstering wing depth and three-point shooting lost from Porter and Johnson. He’s expected to contribute immediately in rotation or starting lineups.

These transfers netted a guard, a versatile forward, and a proven interior scorer—directly targeting the gaps from departures.Freshman Class: High-Upside YouthClemson signed three high school prospects from the class of 2026:

• Harris Reynolds (Fr., G, 6-5, four-star): Athletic scorer and shot-creator from St. Pius X Catholic (GA); ranked as a top-125 national prospect. Immediate bench contributor potential.
• Will Stevens (Fr., C, 6-10, four-star): Skilled post player with passing and three-point range from Davidson Day (NC); North Carolina’s top prospect. Adds size and stretch-big versatility.
• Amare James (Fr., G, 6-6, three-star): Versatile wing/guard from Wheeler (GA); brings length and athleticism.

The class emphasizes size and skill, providing long-term depth while potentially contributing as freshmen in a rotation that values versatility.Team Needs and 2026-27 OutlookKey Needs Addressed:

• Perimeter shooting and scoring: Certa and Lelevicius replace lost 3PT production.
• Frontcourt presence: Faulkner (and Stevens) mitigate the loss of size/rebounding; Welling’s potential return would be transformative.
• Depth and experience: Transfers bring instant veterans; young returners gain reps.

Remaining Questions:

• Bench thinness (fewer rotation players than 2025-26).
• Welling’s health and timeline.
• Development of sophomores and freshmen in a competitive ACC.

Projected starters (per recent analysis): G Zac Foster, G Ace Buckner, G/F Liutauras Lelevicius, F Chase Thompson, F Dylan Faulkner—with Certa and others off the bench. If Welling returns mid-season, he could slot in at forward/center.Brownell has built sustained success with portal-heavy rosters, and this group blends youth with proven talent. The Tigers will push for a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance—the first such streak since 2008-11—but face challenges in a deep ACC. With guard play as a strength and transfers providing scoring punch, Clemson looks poised for another 20-win season and tournament contention, provided the frontcourt stabilizes and the new staff gels quickly.