Tracker for the Clemson Transfer Portal: Every Player Who Entered the Portal Following the 2024 Season
As college football continues to evolve, one of the most significant shifts has been the rise of the transfer portal. The NCAA’s introduction of the portal has given players more control over their futures, allowing them to explore new opportunities and pursue a better fit for their collegiate careers. For programs like Clemson, which has consistently been at the top of college football, the transfer portal has become an essential component of roster management.
After the 2024 season, Clemson’s football team, under head coach Dabo Swinney, saw several players enter the portal, signaling both opportunities for growth and challenges in roster composition. This article tracks every Clemson player who entered the transfer portal following the 2024 season, examining their positions, their potential destinations, and what their departures mean for the Tigers moving forward.
1. DJ Uiagalelei – Quarterback
Position: Quarterback
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: Oregon State
Perhaps the most notable departure from Clemson’s roster in 2024, DJ Uiagalelei entered the transfer portal after a rocky season that saw him lose his starting role mid-year. A former 5-star recruit, Uiagalelei had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency throughout his career at Clemson. After a year of growing competition from freshman Cade Klubnik, Uiagalelei’s decision to leave was not surprising.
His transfer to Oregon State represents an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to lead a program looking to build a contender in the Pac-12. Uiagalelei’s departure leaves Klubnik as the undisputed starter at Clemson, which could signal a new chapter for the Tigers.
2. Will Shipley – Running Back
Position: Running Back
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: None (Remaining in the NFL Draft)
While technically not entering the portal, running back Will Shipley’s decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft marked the end of his time at Clemson. Shipley, a dual-threat back known for his explosive plays and pass-catching ability, was one of the team’s most dynamic offensive players over the past few seasons. His departure leaves a significant void in Clemson’s backfield, although the Tigers have a talented group of young backs ready to step up.
3. Antonio Williams – Wide Receiver
Position: Wide Receiver
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: TBA
Antonio Williams had a productive 2024 season but seemed to find himself on the periphery of Clemson’s receiving core towards the end of the year. Williams’ exit from the program leaves Clemson without one of its more experienced receivers, which could have an impact on their passing game. His potential transfer destination is still unclear, but given his talent, expect Williams to draw interest from multiple programs looking to add depth and experience to their receiving corps.
4. Trenton Simpson – Linebacker
Position: Linebacker
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: TBA
One of the most athletic linebackers in college football, Trenton Simpson had been a staple of Clemson’s defense for the last few years. His decision to enter the transfer portal was a surprise, as many expected him to declare for the NFL Draft after a strong 2024 season. However, Simpson’s decision to test the waters and explore other options indicates that he’s looking for a better fit or potentially more playing time. His next destination will likely be a team looking for a game-changing defensive player.
5. Marcus Tate – Offensive Lineman
Position: Offensive Lineman
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: TBA
Marcus Tate, a key figure on Clemson’s offensive line, made the decision to enter the transfer portal in December 2024. His departure is a blow to an offensive line that had already been dealing with inconsistency in recent seasons. While Tate was solid for the Tigers, his decision to leave likely comes from a desire to pursue more playing time or a better opportunity at another program. Clemson’s offensive line will need to fill the void left by Tate in the upcoming seasons.
6. Myles Murphy – Defensive End
Position: Defensive End
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: NFL Draft
Like Shipley, Myles Murphy’s departure wasn’t through the transfer portal but rather through his decision to declare for the NFL Draft. Murphy had been one of the top defensive players in college football for the past few seasons and was a key part of Clemson’s elite defensive front. His decision to leave solidifies his transition into the professional ranks, and it’s expected that he will be selected high in the upcoming NFL Draft.
7. K.J. Henry – Defensive End
Position: Defensive End
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: NFL Draft
K.J. Henry, another significant figure on Clemson’s defensive line, also opted to declare for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season. Known for his pass-rushing ability and leadership on the field, Henry’s departure leaves another gap in Clemson’s defensive line. With both Murphy and Henry leaving, Clemson will need to reload and find new playmakers on the edge.
8. Tyler Venables – Safety
Position: Safety
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: TBA
Tyler Venables, the son of Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, entered the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Venables had been a key depth piece for Clemson’s secondary but never quite solidified himself as a full-time starter. His decision to leave may provide an opportunity for younger players to step up in Clemson’s defense, but it also leaves the Tigers with a hole in the safety position.
9. Jahmar Brown – Linebacker
Position: Linebacker
Entered Portal: December 2024
Destination: TBA
Jahmar Brown’s decision to enter the portal was another notable exit for Clemson’s defense. Brown had contributed as a rotational player but had been overshadowed by other linebackers in the program. His transfer marks another loss for the Tigers’ depth, though they still boast a strong defensive unit overall.
Impact on Clemson’s Program
The departures of these players following the 2024 season underscore the ever-changing nature of college football. While Clemson has established itself as a powerhouse, the transfer portal has made it more difficult for any team, no matter how successful, to maintain complete stability year after year.
For Clemson, the most significant departures include DJ Uiagalelei, who was expected to be the face of the program, and the defensive line duo of Myles Murphy and K.J. Henry. However, the Tigers have a strong recruiting class coming in and several experienced players already on the roster who will need to step up. With Cade Klubnik likely taking over as the starting quarterback and a strong defensive line still in place, Clemson will look to reload and continue their quest for dominance in the ACC.
The 2024 transfer portal entries show how fluid college football has become, with players now wielding more power than ever before. Clemson, like other programs, will have to continue adapting to this new reality, balancing player development with the constant churn of the portal.
