Clemson Makes Strides in Transfer Portal with Big Defensive Additions
As the transfer portal continues to be a hot topic in college football, Clemson University has remained relatively quiet, at least until recently. Historically, Dabo Swinney has been somewhat hesitant to embrace the portal, often stressing the importance of developing homegrown talent and building long-term programs rather than relying on short-term fixes. However, as the landscape of college football has changed—especially with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the increasing influence of the portal—Swinney has faced growing criticism for not utilizing the transfer market more aggressively.
To date, Clemson had seen a handful of players enter the portal, with five players looking for new opportunities. Of those, four have already found new homes, including standout defensive players A.J. Hoffler and Tre Williams, both of whom are now off to different programs. However, in a surprising turn of events, Clemson has recently made some bold moves of their own, adding to their roster through the transfer portal.
The first notable move came when Clemson secured the commitment of Will Heldt, a four-star edge rusher who has the potential to make an immediate impact on the defensive line. This marked a clear shift in Swinney’s approach to roster building, signaling that the Tigers could no longer afford to stay silent in the transfer market if they hoped to remain competitive at a national level.
But the news doesn’t stop there—Clemson is now looking to make another major statement with the potential addition of linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, who is planning to visit the Tigers on January 7th.
Clemson’s Changing Stance on the Transfer Portal
For years, Clemson’s approach to roster building has been built on recruiting high school talent and developing players within their system. Swinney’s commitment to this model has led to significant success on the field, with national titles and multiple ACC championships. However, the rise of the transfer portal has forced many programs, including Clemson, to reconsider how they build their teams.
Critics of Swinney’s refusal to fully embrace the portal have argued that college football is rapidly evolving, and the most successful programs are those that make full use of all available resources. In particular, NIL has given college athletes more power than ever before to leverage their value, creating an even more competitive landscape for talent. This has made it easier for schools with robust NIL programs to attract top-tier transfers who can immediately help their programs.
For years, Clemson’s reluctance to fully embrace the portal—and its dismissal of the growing influence of NIL—led some to question whether the Tigers would be able to compete at a national level moving forward. With programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State making significant strides in the portal, the fear was that Clemson might fall behind, especially if they didn’t add transfer talent to shore up their roster.
Swinney has consistently maintained that he believes in developing players from within, and while there is certainly merit to this philosophy, the pressures of modern college football have led to changes in how teams construct their rosters. Clemson’s decision to make moves in the transfer portal this offseason is a reflection of this evolving landscape, and it marks a shift in Swinney’s approach to roster management.
The Will Heldt Commitment: A Step Toward Improvement
The first significant move for Clemson came when they secured Will Heldt, a highly touted four-star edge rusher, from the transfer portal. Heldt, who previously played at Arkansas, has been heralded as a dynamic and versatile defensive player with the ability to make an impact from day one. His commitment to Clemson sent a clear message that the Tigers are not going to stand idly by as the college football landscape changes.
Heldt’s presence will be a welcome addition to a Clemson defense that, while consistently strong, could benefit from additional depth and playmaking ability, particularly on the edge. The Tigers are known for their dominant defensive lines, and Heldt fits that mold perfectly, bringing with him the ability to disrupt quarterbacks, clog running lanes, and make plays in the backfield. His addition gives the Tigers much-needed depth and bolsters a defense that already has a strong track record of success.
Heldt’s commitment is also an indication that Clemson is no longer hesitant to pursue top-tier talent in the portal. While Clemson has traditionally leaned on recruiting high school talent, they’ve now recognized the importance of supplementing their roster with transfers who can help immediately.
Jeremiah Alexander: A Five-Star Talent Ready for More Opportunity
The next big potential addition to Clemson’s roster could be Jeremiah Alexander, a former five-star recruit from the 2022 class who was highly sought after by top programs across the country. Alexander, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker, was rated as the No. 1 edge rusher in his class and the 18th overall player, according to 247Sports Composite. He originally signed with Alabama, where he was expected to be a key part of the Crimson Tide’s defense.
However, despite his elite ranking and potential, Alexander has not had the chance to see significant playing time at Alabama. He redshirted his freshman season after appearing in just four games and then spent much of the 2023 season in a backup role, recording limited stats. Alexander primarily contributed on special teams, notching just nine total tackles over the course of 27 games played.
For a player with such high potential, Alexander’s lack of playing time has to be frustrating. It’s clear that he is looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his talents more consistently on the field. Clemson provides a perfect platform for him to do just that.
Given his background and pedigree, Alexander’s addition to Clemson’s defense could be a game-changer. The Tigers’ defense has long been known for producing high-level pass rushers and linebackers, and Alexander’s physical tools and skill set could allow him to step in and contribute immediately. If he can realize his potential at Clemson, he could become a key piece in their defensive scheme, both as a pass rusher and a run stopper.
Alexander’s visit to Clemson on January 7th will be critical in determining whether he ultimately makes the move to the Tigers. The opportunity to join a program with a rich history of defensive success, a chance to play for a proven coaching staff, and the potential for immediate playing time could make Clemson an ideal fit for him.
Clemson’s Potential Impact on the 2025 Season
With these two key additions through the transfer portal, Clemson is positioning itself to be even more competitive in 2025. The Tigers are already a national contender, but with the additions of Will Heldt and possibly Jeremiah Alexander, they are further bolstering their defense and improving their chances of competing for another ACC title and potentially a playoff berth.
By recognizing the importance of the portal, Clemson is not only shoring up weaknesses but also making a statement that they are willing to adapt and evolve with the changing times in college football. Swinney’s reluctance to embrace the portal may have been a point of contention for some, but his recent moves suggest that he understands the need for balance between developing talent and adding immediate contributors.
Clemson’s proactive stance in the transfer portal this offseason signals that they are not standing still. With the addition of top-tier talent like Heldt and possibly Alexander, Clemson is ensuring that their defense remains a formidable force for years to come.
