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Why Dabo Swinney's transfer portal momentum for Clemson has dwindled
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- Why Dabo Swinney's transfer portal momentum for Clemson has dwindled
CLEMSON — Clemson football has landed its most transfer portal players in a single season, but the Tigers ' momentum has slowed down.
Clemson has 10 transfers (nine on defense and one on offense) as coach Dabo Swinney revamped the Tigers after a disappointing 7-6 season. After landing its first offensive portal player on Jan. 11, Clemson has not added anyone over the following four days despite having critical needs.
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Here's why things have slowed down for Clemson before the portal closes for new players to enter on Jan. 16.
Why has Clemson's transfer portal use slowed down?
Clemson attempted to address its needs on offensive line with four starters not returning. However, the Tigers missed on all of their pursuits, including Tennessee 's Lance Heard , ECU's Kojo Poku, Michigan State 's Stanton Ramil and Georgia Southern 's Johnnie Brown III.
As a result, Clemson may rely on players recruited and developed out of high school instead of pursuing remaining portal lineman who they don't see as an upgrade.
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Clemson also missed out on defensive linemen who could have strengthened its front four despite adding four players already.
Another reason is Clemson hasn't been actively pursuing positions of need like quarterback. Cade Klubnik is headed to the NFL, but the Tigers have not been linked to any portal quarterbacks , signaling they may use one of their inexperienced players on the roster like Christopher Vizzina (one start in three seasons) or Chris Denson (no starts in one season) in 2026.
MORE: Cade Klubnik thanks Clemson football, announces NFL draft decision
What transfer portal players are still considering Clemson?
Here's the list of portal players who are linked to Clemson, according to various reports.
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All rankings are via 247Sports.
Isaiah Fuhrmann, Elon WR
CBS Sports reported Fuhrmann, the No. 222 receiver in the portal, will visit Clemson. The 6-foot-4 receiver recorded 46 receptions for 907 yards and nine touchdowns for Elon, an FCS program, this season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Enow Etta, Michigan DL
Etta, the No. 12 defensive lineman in the portal, has been in contact with Clemson. He recorded 15 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and two pass deflections in 13 games this season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Mandrell and Darryll Desir, Florida State DL
Mandrell Desir, the No. 3 edge rusher in the portal, and Darryll Desir, the No. 4 edge rusher, both entered the portal and are options for Clemson.
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Mandrell Desir had 30 tackles, including 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble this year. Darryll Desir recorded 23 tackles, including a sack, and four quarterback hurries this season. Both have three years of eligibility remaining.
Walter Mathis, LSU DL
Mathis, who Clemson recruited out of high school, has been linked to the Tigers. He recorded nine tackles and one pass deflection in 12 games this season. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Caleb Herring, Tennessee DE
Herring, the No. 22 edge rusher in the portal, has been in contact with Clemson. He had 14 tackles, including four sacks, and two pass deflections in 13 games this year. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
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Justin Denson Jr., Michigan State S
Denson, the No. 96 safety in the portal, is considering Clemson. He logged two tackles in three games this season. He has three years of eligibility remaining, but Clemson already added two safeties via the portal.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football, Dabo Swinney's transfer portal momentum cools off
