Clemson Strikes Gold Again: Colorado EDGE London Merritt Commits to Tigers
Clemson continued its hot streak in the transfer portal on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, landing Colorado edge rusher London Merritt during his official visit to campus.The 6’3″, 250-pound sophomore becomes the latest high-upside addition to Dabo Swinney’s revamped defensive front, joining Oklahoma DT Markus Strong as the second major D-line portal win this week.
Background and Recruitment:
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Merritt burst onto the scene as a four-star prospect out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL). Ranked as high as a top-150 national recruit (247Sports Composite: No. 144 overall, No. 13 EDGE), he initially committed to Ohio State before flipping to Colorado in a high-profile announcement on the “Nightcap” show with Shannon Sharpe and Ochocinco. Clemson had offered him in high school and hosted him previously, making this a long-time target coming full circl
College Resume:
As a true freshman in 2025, Merritt played in all 12 games for the Buffaloes (one start), posting 25 tackles, 8 TFLs, 1 sack, and 6 QB hurries. His disruptive play earned him PFF All-Freshman Team honors and Honorable Mention Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year—impressive production that ranked his 8 TFLs among the top for true freshmen nationally.With three years of eligibility remaining, Merritt brings explosive bend, power, and proven Power conference experience to Clemson’s edge rotation, which is undergoing a youth infusion this offseason.Welcome to Death Valley, London! The Tiger pass rush just got scarier.
