CLEMSON, S.C. — The offseason for the Clemson Tigers has been relatively quiet in terms of transfer portal activity, at least compared to other programs across the country. The Tigers, traditionally known for building their roster through high school recruiting and internal development, have not been as aggressive in utilizing the transfer portal as some of their competitors. So far, Clemson has seen five players enter the portal, and while four of them have already found new homes, the departures have not been major surprises. However, it is the arrivals that have recently made waves in Tigertown.
To the shock of many, Clemson has decided to bring in two players via the transfer portal, signaling a shift in the program’s approach to roster building in the modern era of college football. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have largely eschewed the portal, preferring to focus on player development and high school recruiting. While this philosophy has been successful in the past, especially during the program’s national championship runs in 2016 and 2018, critics have increasingly questioned whether Clemson can remain competitive at the highest levels if they do not embrace the portal more fully.
Swinney, often a vocal critic of the changing landscape of college football, particularly in regard to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the widespread use of the transfer portal, has come under fire for what some see as a stubborn refusal to adapt. His critics argue that programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State are setting the pace by aggressively adding key transfer players, while Clemson has largely stuck to its traditional methods. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that Clemson would be left behind in the modern college football world if they do not change their approach to the transfer portal and NIL.
Despite the criticism, Swinney and his staff have remained steadfast in their philosophy, often emphasizing the importance of building a culture and retaining homegrown talent. However, it seems that the program may be beginning to recognize the necessity of making strategic moves in the transfer portal to stay competitive, and the recent signings of two players have sparked a buzz.
The first of the two new additions is Will Heldt, a four-star edge rusher who committed to Clemson after entering the transfer portal. Heldt, a highly-rated prospect during his high school recruiting process, adds much-needed depth and talent to the Tigers’ pass rush. His commitment is a statement that Clemson is beginning to take a more proactive approach in adding key contributors via the portal. Heldt’s potential to make an immediate impact on the defensive line should not be understated, as Clemson’s defense struggled in certain areas during the 2024 season, particularly against the run.
The second player to catch the attention of Clemson fans is Jeremiah Alexander, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker who has set up a visit to the Tigers. Alexander, a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 edge rusher in the 2022 class according to 247Sports Composite, originally signed with Alabama but is now exploring his options through the transfer portal. His decision to visit Clemson on January 7th is a major development, as it signals that the Tigers could be in the mix for one of the most highly-touted players to enter the portal this offseason.
Alexander’s high school pedigree speaks for itself. He was regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the country in the 2022 class and was expected to make an immediate impact at Alabama. While he did not play a significant role in his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide, his talent and potential are undeniable. Alexander is known for his athleticism, strength, and ability to rush the passer, making him a natural fit for the edge rusher position. His addition would be a huge boost to Clemson’s defense, which, as mentioned, struggled at times in 2024, especially against the run.
The arrival of Heldt and the potential commitment of Alexander could signify a major shift in Clemson’s transfer portal strategy. While Swinney has long been hesitant to fully embrace the portal, the success of other programs in adding key transfers has likely played a role in influencing the Tigers’ recent decisions. If Clemson is to remain a national title contender, particularly as the landscape of college football continues to evolve, it will need to be more proactive in filling roster gaps with transfer talent, especially in positions of need.
One of the areas that Clemson has struggled with in recent years is the defensive line, particularly in terms of depth and consistency against the run. The addition of edge rusher Will Heldt helps address this need, as he can contribute immediately and bring some fresh energy to the pass rush. However, the bigger prize could be Jeremiah Alexander. His versatility and athleticism as an edge rusher could help bolster a Clemson defense that has often relied on a strong front seven to control the game. Adding someone of his caliber would immediately elevate Clemson’s defensive line and provide more options for defensive coordinator, whoever that may be moving forward.
It’s important to note that Clemson’s shift toward embracing the transfer portal is not just about making a splash. Swinney has always placed a strong emphasis on player development, and he will likely continue to prioritize that aspect of the program. However, the addition of transfer players like Heldt and potentially Alexander shows that Clemson is beginning to blend the best of both worlds: developing homegrown talent while also addressing immediate needs through the portal.
The transition to incorporating more transfer players into the roster is a delicate one for Swinney and his staff. The Tigers have built a successful program based on culture, continuity, and recruiting high-character players. Bringing in transfers can sometimes disrupt that culture if not managed properly, which is why Swinney has been cautious in the past. However, with the demands of modern college football and the increased pressure to compete at the highest level, Clemson may find that bringing in key transfers is necessary to maintain its position among the elite programs.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be an important one for the Clemson Tigers. With a returning roster filled with talent, including a strong group of defensive players, the team is poised to make a run at another ACC title and a deep College Football Playoff push. The additions of players like Will Heldt and Jeremiah Alexander could help the Tigers solidify their defense and make them even more formidable on both sides of the ball.
In conclusion, while Dabo Swinney has been criticized for his reluctance to embrace the transfer portal in the past, the recent moves to bring in players like Heldt and potentially Alexander show that Clemson is adapting to the changing landscape of college football. Whether this is the start of a new era of transfer portal usage for the Tigers or just a one-off decision remains to be seen. However, the potential addition of high-profile transfers could be just what Clemson needs to return to national championship contention in 2025. With a mix of homegrown talent and transfer impact players, the Tigers could be primed for a special season.
