The Top Five Prospective Recruits Clemson Should Watch Out for on the Transfer Portal

As college football continues to evolve in the era of the transfer portal, teams are increasingly looking outside their recruiting classes to bolster their rosters with experienced talent. For the Clemson Tigers, a powerhouse in the ACC and a perennial contender for national championships, this presents an opportunity to plug gaps, build depth, and elevate their team further. The transfer portal offers a dynamic way to secure immediate contributors, and with Clemson’s success and consistency, it’s no surprise that they are keeping a close eye on standout players looking for new homes.

While many teams flock to high school prospects, the Tigers have not shied away from diving into the transfer portal to meet their needs. In the last few years, they’ve brought in top-tier players, many of whom have contributed significantly right away. Let’s take a look at five prospective recruits that Clemson should watch out for in the transfer portal for the 2024 season.

1. Quarterback – DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State)

While DJ Uiagalelei’s departure from Clemson after the 2022 season was well-documented, he’s now an intriguing name to follow as a transfer portal recruit after an impressive stint at Oregon State. Uiagalelei has proven to be a versatile and talented quarterback who has matured considerably since his days as Clemson’s starting quarterback. With Oregon State, he has showcased his strong arm, leadership, and improved decision-making, leading the Beavers to a successful season in the Pac-12.

Clemson’s quarterback position remains a question mark after Cade Klubnik’s growing pains in 2023, despite his considerable talent. A reunion between Uiagalelei and Clemson’s coaching staff could offer a stabilizing presence in the locker room and bolster the competition at quarterback. If Uiagalelei were to return to Clemson, his experience in big games and his ability to run the offense could provide valuable depth for the Tigers. This would allow Klubnik more time to develop while still having a proven signal-caller to lead the team, particularly in the postseason.

2. Wide Receiver – Troy Franklin (Oregon)

Clemson’s offense has shown signs of inconsistency in recent seasons, particularly in the passing game. While they boast a strong running game, wide receiver remains a critical area for improvement. Enter Troy Franklin, a playmaking wide receiver from Oregon, who has been a standout in the Pac-12. With his speed, agility, and explosive playmaking ability, Franklin is a perfect fit for Clemson’s offensive scheme, which has relied on a strong passing attack in the past.

Franklin had an outstanding season in 2023, finishing with over 1,000 receiving yards and several touchdown grabs. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays could be exactly what Clemson needs to take their passing game to the next level. With a talented quarterback like Klubnik or Uiagalelei, Franklin would have the opportunity to continue his high-level production and elevate Clemson’s receiving corps, which will be crucial in competing against elite ACC defenses and national contenders.

3. Defensive Line – Bear Alexander (Georgia)

Clemson’s defensive line has long been a strength of their program, with names like Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, and Bryan Bresee becoming household names. However, the Tigers could use a plug-and-play defensive tackle who can come in and make an immediate impact, and Bear Alexander from Georgia fits that description perfectly. A rising star in the Bulldogs’ defensive front, Alexander is a powerful force at the line of scrimmage who excels at disrupting offenses and wreaking havoc in the backfield.

In a year where Clemson has experienced some inconsistency in their defensive play, particularly in getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Alexander could be a game-changer. His physicality and ability to stop the run would help Clemson shore up its interior defensive line while also improving its pass-rush ability. With Alexander’s experience in the elite SEC environment, he would bring a championship pedigree and leadership to the Clemson defense, making them an even more formidable opponent for any team.

4. Linebacker – Jalon Walker (Georgia)

Clemson’s linebacker corps has long been a strength of the defense, but with some key departures, they could benefit from adding another top-tier talent in the middle of the defense. Jalon Walker, a rising linebacker from Georgia, is a player that could significantly enhance Clemson’s defense. Walker is known for his speed, tackling ability, and instinctive playmaking. At Georgia, he earned a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the SEC.

His versatility would allow Clemson to use him in multiple ways on defense—whether it’s as a traditional linebacker or in coverage against the pass. His ability to sideline-to-sideline could help strengthen Clemson’s defense against both the run and the pass. Adding Walker would provide Clemson with an experienced player who could step in immediately and upgrade the linebacking group, creating an even more dominant defense for the Tigers.

5. Running Back – Raheim Sanders (Arkansas)

While Clemson has a history of dominant running backs, the Tigers have struggled with consistency in the backfield in recent years. While Will Shipley has been solid, the team could benefit from additional depth at the position to add explosiveness to their offense. Raheim Sanders from Arkansas would be a tremendous addition. A bruising, physical back with a powerful running style, Sanders has demonstrated the ability to break tackles and gain chunk yardage, making him a perfect fit for Clemson’s pro-style offense.

In 2023, Sanders rushed for over 1,400 yards and displayed his ability to wear down defenses over the course of the game. His combination of speed and power would complement Shipley’s agility and vision, creating a dynamic 1-2 punch in the backfield. Sanders’ ability to control the clock and finish drives would make him an invaluable addition to Clemson’s offense, giving them the balance necessary to keep defenses on their toes.