Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers began the 2025 season with high hopes. After a few subpar seasons (by their standards), the Tigers believed they had the roster to make another run at a national championship. Pundits agreed, making the Tigers a preseason top 5 team.
Despite those high expectations, the Tigers suffered a season-opening loss to LSU, setting a challenging tone early. A 46-45 home loss to Duke dropped Clemson to 3-5, but they rallied with four straight wins, including victories over rivals Florida State and South Carolina, before ultimately falling to Penn State in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl to finish 7-6.
Heading into the offseason, the Tigers are focused on addressing their issues. However, challenges in the transfer portal have continued to complicate their efforts.
Clemson Loses Another Player to the Transfer Portal, Marking 12 Departures So Far
Continuing their struggles in the transfer portal, Clemson, according to Paul Strelow of Tiger Illustrated, will lose backup DT Champ Thompson, who is set to enter the portal.
Clemson backup DT Champ Thompson is transferring, per @PaulStrelowTI. Departure No. 12 for the Tigers https://t.co/5HRX9puhAP
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) January 4, 2026
Thompson totaled just three tackles and a sack last season. He becomes the 12th player to transfer from the Tigers.
The Tigers have also lost:
- Safety Khalil Barnes
- DT Stephiylan Green
- Safety Ricardo Jones
- CB Shelton Lewis
- LB Jamal Anderson
- TE Josh Sapp
- LB Dee Crayton
- Safety Rob Billings
- RB Keith Adams Jr.
- DL Caden Story
- DE Markus Dixon
Of those departures, Barnes has since committed to Georgia.
Although some departing players had limited roles, the transfer of Jones and Barnes is significant because both players have proven to be high-level contributors, leaving meaningful gaps in Clemson’s defense.
One issue the Tigers have had is Swinney’s apparent disdain for the portal. The two-time national championship-winning coach has never been a big fan of using the portal, and many believe it is one of the reasons Clemson isn’t having the same success they did during their run in the 2010’s.
Last year, the Tigers brought in only three players from the portal: Edge Will Heldt, WR Tristan Smith, and LB Jeremiah Alexander. Heldt recorded 7.5 sacks, Smith had 24 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown, and Alexander tallied 36 tackles and a sack.
This offseason, Clemson is reportedly engaged with more transfer prospects. Penn State DB Elliot Washington II, FSU DB Edwin Joseph, Oregon State LB Dexter Foster, Memphis DB Chris Bracy, and former Kansas and Oklahoma State DB Lyrik Rawls have all expressed at least some interest in the program.
With key departures at defensive back, especially Barnes and Jones, Clemson’s defense faces immediate challenges in replacing reliable contributors in the secondary. Addressing these gaps will be essential for the Tigers to regain their previous form.
Stay updated on all Clemson transfer developments with our Transfer Portal Tracker as the program navigates a critical offseason.
