RJ Godfrey Returns to Clemson Basketball: A Homecoming with High Potential
In a move that has Clemson Tigers fans buzzing with excitement, RJ Godfrey, a familiar face to the program, is returning to Clemson after a one-year stint with the Georgia Bulldogs. The 6-foot-8 forward, originally a 2022 signee with the Tigers, announced his decision to transfer back to Clemson on April 4, 2025, marking a significant homecoming for the Suwanee, Georgia native. Alongside Godfrey, Clemson has also bolstered its roster with two other recent transfers—Nick Davidson from Nevada and Carter Welling from Utah Valley—setting the stage for an intriguing 2025-26 season under head coach Brad Brownell.
RJ Godfrey: The Prodigal Tiger Returns
RJ Godfrey’s basketball journey has come full circle. After two seasons at Clemson (2022-24), where he played a key role as a reserve on the Tigers’ 2023-24 Elite Eight squad, Godfrey transferred to Georgia last offseason, seeking a fresh start closer to home. His father, Randall Godfrey, was a standout linebacker for the Bulldogs in the early 1990s, adding a layer of legacy to his move to Athens. During his lone season with Georgia in 2024-25, Godfrey started all 33 games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 53.2% from the field. He also contributed 19 blocks, showcasing his defensive versatility.
At Clemson, Godfrey had already proven his worth. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 6.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game across 36 appearances, shooting an impressive 59.5% from the field. His standout moment came in the NCAA Tournament, where he scored 33 points and grabbed 13 rebounds over Clemson’s four-game run, including clutch free throws to seal a second-round upset over No. 3 seed Baylor. However, after transferring to Georgia, his role expanded, but the Bulldogs’ season ended with a first-round NCAA Tournament exit, prompting his return to Clemson.
Godfrey’s upside for the 2025-26 season is significant. Known for his positionless play, he brings size, strength, and a knack for attacking the rim. While his outside shooting remains a work in progress, his ability to cut to the basket, clean up on the offensive glass, and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset. With Clemson losing key frontcourt players like Ian Schieffelin and Viktor Lakhin to graduation, Godfrey’s familiarity with Brownell’s system and his improved experience as a starter at Georgia position him to take on a larger role—potentially as a starter—next season.
Nick Davidson: A Rising Star from Nevada
Joining Godfrey in Clemson’s transfer haul is Nick Davidson, a 6-foot-9 forward from Nevada. Davidson, who committed to the Tigers in late March 2025, brings a blend of size, skill, and scoring prowess to the roster. In his junior season with the Wolf Pack in 2024-25, Davidson averaged 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, shooting 54.1% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range. His breakout campaign earned him All-Mountain West Second Team honors, a testament to his growth after two seasons as a rotational player.
Davidson’s versatility is his calling card. Capable of playing both the four and five positions, he can stretch the floor with his shooting while also battling in the paint. At Nevada, he showcased his upside with a career-high 29 points against Boise State and multiple double-doubles, highlighting his potential as a go-to scorer. For Clemson, Davidson’s arrival fills a critical need for frontcourt production following the departure of several key contributors. His experience in the competitive Mountain West Conference and his upward trajectory suggest he could emerge as a star in the ACC, potentially averaging double figures and anchoring the Tigers’ interior defense in 2025-26.
Carter Welling: A Hidden Gem from Utah Valley
The second newcomer to Clemson’s transfer class is Carter Welling, a 6-foot-10 forward from Utah Valley. Welling, who also committed in late March 2025, is a bit of an under-the-radar addition with significant upside. In his sophomore season with the Wolverines in 2024-25, Welling averaged 11.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 50.3% from the field. While he didn’t garner major accolades in the Western Athletic Conference, his steady improvement and raw potential caught Clemson’s eye.
Welling’s game is built on his length and athleticism. He’s a strong rim protector—his 1.8 blocks per game ranked among the WAC’s best—and he thrives as a finisher around the basket. His offensive game is still developing, particularly his perimeter shooting, but his size and mobility make him a promising fit in Brownell’s system. For the 2025-26 season, Welling’s upside lies in his ability to grow into a reliable two-way big man. If he can refine his skills and adapt to the ACC’s physicality, he could become a key rotational piece, complementing Godfrey and Davidson in the frontcourt.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season
Clemson’s basketball program is in the midst of a major roster overhaul after a 27-7 campaign in 2024-25 that saw the Tigers finish second in the ACC and knock off powerhouse Duke. With eight players departing—including stars like Schieffelin, Chauncey Wiggins, and Chase Hunter—Brownell has turned to the transfer portal to reload. The return of RJ Godfrey, paired with the additions of Nick Davidson and Carter Welling, signals a clear intent to maintain Clemson’s competitive edge.
Godfrey’s homecoming brings continuity and a proven commodity, while Davidson’s scoring and Welling’s defensive potential add new dimensions to the roster. For the 2025-26 season, this trio could form a formidable frontcourt, blending experience, versatility, and untapped potential. If Godfrey elevates his game as a leader, Davidson translates his Mountain West success to the ACC, and Welling blossoms into a consistent contributor, Clemson could be poised for another deep run in March 2026. Tiger fans have plenty to look forward to as this revamped squad takes shape.
