Clemson’s 2026 Transfer Portal Haul: Eight Key Additions to Bolster the Defense
As the college football landscape continues to evolve with the transfer portal, Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney has embraced it more actively than ever for the 2026 season. As of January 9, 2026, the Tigers have landed eight commitments, all on the defensive side of the ball. This strategic influx addresses critical needs in the secondary and along the defensive line, particularly under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who brings experience from his time at Penn State and Indiana.
These additions come after a 2025 season where Clemson’s defense showed promise but struggled with depth and injuries in key areas.The portal window, open from January 2 to January 16, has seen Clemson prioritize experienced players with immediate impact potential. With a mix of former high-star recruits and proven performers, these commits signal a defensive remodel aimed at returning the Tigers to national contention.
Below, we break down each new Tiger, in chronological order of their commitment dates, highlighting their backgrounds, stats, and how they fit into Clemson’s plans.
1. Elliot Washington – Cornerback (Penn State)The first domino fell on January 5 when Elliot Washington committed to Clemson after entering the portal from Penn State. A 6-0, 195-pound defensive back, Washington brings familiarity with Allen, who coached him during Penn State’s run to the College Football Playoff in recent years. In 2025, he recorded 18 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 pass deflections across 12 games, primarily in a rotational role. As a former four-star recruit (No. 12 CB in the 2023 class per 247Sports), Washington adds speed and physicality to a secondary that lost several starters to the NFL Draft. With one year of eligibility left, he’s poised for a starting role opposite returning talent like Avieon Terrell.
2. Luke Ferrelli – Linebacker (Cal)On January 6, Clemson snagged Luke Ferrelli, a standout linebacker from Cal who earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2025—wait, no, that was in the ACC after Cal’s conference realignment, but Ferrelli made waves with 87 tackles (leading all freshmen) and 5 tackles for loss. At 6-2, 225 pounds, the former three-star recruit brings sideline-to-sideline speed and tackling prowess. His transfer fills a void at linebacker, where Clemson seeks more athleticism to combat spread offenses. With three years of eligibility, Ferrelli could develop into a multi-year starter, providing depth behind veterans like Sammy Brown
3. Jerome Carter – Safety (Old Dominion)Also committing on January 6, Jerome Carter III arrives from Old Dominion as a ball-hawking safety. The 6-2, 195-pounder tied for second in the FBS with 6 interceptions in 2025, adding 76 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. His Pro Football Focus grade of 75.8 highlights his coverage skills, making him an ideal fit for Allen’s scheme that emphasizes turnovers. Carter’s length and instincts will bolster a safety group that underperformed in pass defense last season. With two years remaining, he’s a plug-and-play option.
4. Donovan Starr – Cornerback (Auburn)Donovan Starr pledged to Clemson on January 6, transferring from Auburn where he saw limited action in 2025 (9 games, mostly on special teams). Ranked as the No. 25 cornerback in the portal by 247Sports, the 6-0, 190-pound former four-star recruit (No. 3 in Tennessee, Class of 2025) offers untapped potential with his speed and coverage abilities. Starr’s addition continues the Tigers’ focus on rebuilding the cornerback room, providing competition and depth. He has three years of eligibility, allowing time to grow into a key contributor.
5. Corey Myrick – Safety (Southern Miss)Clemson kept the momentum going on January 7 with Corey Myrick’s commitment. From Southern Miss, the 6-1, 200-pound safety racked up 92 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble in 13 games during 2025. His elite PFF grade of 86.2 underscores his all-around playmaking. Ranked No. 97 among portal safeties, Myrick addresses Clemson’s need for versatile back-end defenders. With two years left, he could rotate in immediately and help elevate the secondary’s turnover production.
6. Kourtney Kelly – Defensive Tackle (West Georgia)On January 7, after a campus visit, Kourtney Kelly committed from Division II West Georgia. The 6-3, 281-pound tackle played 313 snaps in 2025, earning a 72.6 PFF grade with 10 tackles and 1 fumble recovery. He occasionally lined up at defensive end, showcasing his versatility. Ranked No. 94 among portal defensive linemen, Kelly adds size and speed to Clemson’s interior line, which lost key pieces to graduation. With three years of eligibility, he’s a developmental piece with upside in the ACC.
7. Markus Strong – Defensive Tackle (Oklahoma)Markus Strong joined the fray on January 7, transferring from Oklahoma where he notched 11 tackles and 1 sack in 11 games. The 6-3, 305-pound interior disruptor brings SEC experience (he started his career at South Carolina) and a knack for pressuring quarterbacks, including a safety against the Gamecocks in 2025. Strong’s power and quickness will help fortify Clemson’s defensive front, especially against run-heavy offenses. With two years remaining, he’s expected to compete for snaps right away.
8. London Merritt – Edge Rusher (Colorado)The most recent addition, committing around January 8, is London Merritt from Colorado. The 6-3, 250-pound edge rusher posted 25 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 1 sack in 12 games during 2025. A former four-star recruit (No. 36 edge in the portal), Merritt’s athleticism and pass-rush skills fill a glaring need on the edge, where Clemson aims to improve sack production. With three years of eligibility, he could emerge as a starter opposite T.J. Parker.
In total, these eight commits—four in the secondary, two defensive tackles, one linebacker, and one edge rusher—represent a targeted rebuild. Clemson has prioritized defense after allowing over 24 points per game in 2025, and this group averages more than two years of eligibility, blending immediate help with long-term potential. While the Tigers have historically built through high school recruiting, this portal class shows adaptability in the modern era. With more visits scheduled before the window closes, could No. 9 be on the horizon? Stay tuned as Clemson gears up for spring ball and a bounce-back 2026 season.
