In a surprising twist for the Clemson Tigers, only four scholarship players have entered the transfer portal as the window closed, marking a rare and notable shift for head coach Dabo Swinney’s program. Known for his reluctance to tap into the portal, Swinney’s approach to player development has been put to the test, especially after a nine-win season in 2023—the Tigers’ first non-10-win season in a decade.
As reported by Jon Blau of the Post and Courier, the four players in the portal are defensive end A.J. Hoffler, wide receivers Troy Stellato and Noble Johnson, and safety Sherrod Covil Jr. This is a relatively low number compared to recent years, where Clemson lost over 10 players to the portal. It’s a sign that the Tigers’ developmental strategy is paying off, and players are buying into the program’s long-term vision.
While Clemson has faced its share of criticism for not utilizing the transfer portal more aggressively, the 2023 season ended on a high note. Quarterback Cade Klubnik enjoyed his best season yet, leading the Tigers to the ACC Championship game, where they triumphed over SMU in a thrilling finish. Clemson also made a return to the College Football Playoff, despite a tough first-round loss to Texas.
With key players like Barrett Carter, RJ Mickens, and Phil Mafah moving on to the NFL, Clemson’s future looks bright, and the low transfer portal departures may be a testament to Swinney’s ability to build and retain talent within the program. As Clemson continues to build on its success, Swinney’s philosophy is proving to be a winning formula, and the Tigers’ prospects remain strong.
