As the Window Closes, Four Clemson Tigers Scholarship Recipients Access the Transfer Portal

As the calendar turns toward the new year, college football enters one of its busiest and most unpredictable times of the season: the transfer portal. A tool that has dramatically reshaped the landscape of college athletics since its introduction, the transfer portal allows student-athletes to declare their intention to transfer to a different program, opening up a new chapter in their collegiate careers. For Clemson University, a program that has established itself as a consistent powerhouse under head coach Dabo Swinney, the transfer portal has become an area of both opportunity and uncertainty. This year, as the transfer portal window nears its close, four scholarship recipients from the Clemson Tigers football team have made the decision to explore new opportunities by entering the portal. Their decisions reflect a growing trend in college football, where student-athletes seek playing time, new environments, or other opportunities to continue their football careers. As the dust settles on this pivotal moment for both the players and the Clemson program, the implications of these moves will be felt on and off the field.

The Role of the Transfer Portal in College Football

Before diving into the specific cases of the four players, it’s essential to understand the larger context in which these decisions are made. The transfer portal was introduced in 2018, allowing athletes to freely enter their names into a centralized database without needing permission from their current school. The previous system required athletes to get a release from their school before exploring potential transfers, often leading to frustrations and delays. The change was designed to give athletes more autonomy and control over their futures, recognizing the evolving nature of college sports, particularly as players become more attuned to their value in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

In the years since its introduction, the transfer portal has transformed college football. The increased mobility has given athletes the ability to move between schools with relative ease, leading to a significant rise in transfers. In 2021 alone, nearly 3,000 FBS football players entered the transfer portal. This movement has fundamentally altered recruiting dynamics, as schools no longer solely rely on traditional high school recruiting but also heavily focus on identifying and acquiring talent from the portal. For players, the portal offers a chance to find a better fit for their skill sets, a more competitive program, or simply a fresh start after facing challenges at their current school.

For Clemson, a team that has become synonymous with success in the ACC and on the national stage, the transfer portal represents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the Tigers have consistently been one of the top programs in college football, their success often means that certain players, particularly those in more crowded positions, may find it difficult to secure playing time. This has led to some scholarship players seeking other options, whether to pursue more playing time, a change of scenery, or a chance to be a focal point of a different program.

Four Clemson Players Make the Move to the Transfer Portal

As the window for transfer portal entries approaches its close, four scholarship players from the Clemson Tigers football team have opted to explore their options. While the reasons behind each player’s decision are varied, their moves offer a glimpse into the ever-changing nature of college football and the factors that influence a player’s decision to leave a program.

1. QB Hunter Johnson: Seeking a New Opportunity

The most notable of the four is quarterback Hunter Johnson, a player who has experienced an unusual and circuitous college career. Johnson originally joined Clemson as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2017, a highly anticipated prospect who was expected to be a key figure in the Tigers’ future. However, after spending two seasons as a backup to Trevor Lawrence, Johnson transferred to Northwestern in 2019 to compete for the starting role. He did indeed start games for the Wildcats but was never able to fully live up to the potential that led to his high school accolades.

In 2023, Johnson returned to Clemson as a graduate transfer with hopes of providing depth and experience to the quarterback room behind DJ Uiagalelei. However, with Uiagalelei transferring to Oregon State after the season, Johnson found himself in a competition for the starting job with Cade Klubnik, the highly touted freshman who ultimately emerged as Clemson’s quarterback of the future.

Johnson’s decision to enter the transfer portal is not a surprise, given that he had limited opportunities to make an impact in Clemson’s offense. At this point in his career, Johnson is likely looking for a final opportunity to start and compete at the highest level. His decision will likely be influenced by his desire to play in a system that suits his strengths and provides a better chance to showcase his abilities before pursuing a professional career.

2. RB Kobe Pace: The Search for a Lead Role

Kobe Pace, a running back who has spent the last few seasons at Clemson, is another player who has decided to enter the transfer portal. A solid contributor to the Tigers’ backfield rotation, Pace played in 28 games during his Clemson career and amassed over 1,200 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. However, with Clemson’s crowded running back room featuring the likes of Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, Pace was often relegated to a secondary role.

The decision to enter the portal likely stems from Pace’s desire to be a feature back in an offense where he can be the centerpiece of the running game. Given his talent and experience, he could be a valuable asset for a team that is looking for an experienced, versatile running back to lead its offense. Programs with a need for a starting running back, particularly those in conferences like the ACC or Group of Five leagues, will likely be interested in adding Pace to their roster.

3. WR Dacari Collins: A Bid for More Playing Time

Dacari Collins, a wide receiver who was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2020, is another player who has chosen to leave Clemson. Despite his potential, Collins has struggled to break into the starting rotation in a receiving corps that has consistently featured elite talent. In his two years with the Tigers, Collins caught 15 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, but he was often buried on the depth chart behind more established players like Joseph Ngata and Justyn Ross.

Collins’s decision to enter the transfer portal is likely motivated by his desire for more playing time and the chance to become a focal point in a passing game. He is a highly skilled receiver with a physical frame and good speed, so there should be no shortage of suitors. A change of scenery could allow Collins to flourish in an offense that better suits his talents.

4. CB Fred Davis II: Searching for a New Home

The final player to enter the portal is cornerback Fred Davis II, who joined Clemson as a four-star recruit in 2020. Davis showed flashes of potential early in his career, but he was unable to secure consistent playing time in a crowded defensive backfield. As Clemson’s defense has remained one of the strongest in the nation, the competition for starting spots in the secondary has been fierce, and Davis struggled to carve out a prominent role.

Davis’s decision to enter the portal likely stems from his desire to find a situation where he can play more regularly and develop his skills further. As a cornerback with good size, speed, and coverage ability, Davis will likely draw interest from programs looking to bolster their secondary. With the growing importance of defensive backs in today’s college football landscape, Davis should have multiple options to choose from.

The Impact on Clemson’s Program

The departure of four scholarship players from the Clemson Tigers is a reminder that even the most successful programs face challenges in retaining talent. While Clemson has consistently been among the nation’s top teams, their depth and elite recruiting can sometimes create situations where talented players are stuck behind more established stars. As a result, transfers are a natural byproduct of the program’s success, as players seek playing time and new opportunities elsewhere.

For Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, managing the transfer portal has become an increasingly important aspect of roster management. Swinney has been known for his loyalty to players and his preference for building strong relationships with recruits, but even he must recognize the shifting dynamics of college football. The Tigers will need to balance recruiting high school talent with the need to address roster holes that may arise through transfers, ensuring that the team remains competitive year after year.