To help win the title, Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has identified five players to trade for another highly experienced star.
Under Dabo Swinney, Clemson Secures Their First Non-Quarterback Transfer Portal Commitment
Dabo Swinney is adjusting to the new collegiate football environment and modifying his ways.
Since the transfer portal was established in 2018, Swinney had been against using it, fighting the temptation to add players from other universities to Clemson’s roster. After the Tigers secured their first-ever non-quarterback transfer portal commitment on Monday, that all changed.
Forty-three athletes have left Clemson through the transfer portal since 2021. Only two players—quarterbacks Hunter Johnson and Paul Tyson—joined the Tigers through the gateway during that time frame, and neither of them saw any significant action for the school.
In 2024, Smith, a junior, caught 76 passes for 934 yards and six touchdowns. On his one and only carry out of the backfield, he also scored a running touchdown. If the Clemson quarterback returns for a third season with the team, he will be a useful weapon for Cade Klubnik.
A significant pickup for the Tigers and Swinney, former Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith declared on Monday that he will be entering Clemson through the portal.
