The Clemson Tigers have made another significant move in the transfer portal, adding former Alabama five-star edge rusher/linebacker Jeremiah Alexander to their roster. Alexander, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers’ defense. This marks a notable step for head coach Dabo Swinney, who has traditionally been known for his reluctance to rely on the transfer portal but has made a strategic shift in recent years to bolster his team with portal additions.
Jeremiah Alexander, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, first gained national attention as one of the top recruits in the 2022 class. He attended Thompson High School, a football powerhouse in the Birmingham area, where he became a standout defensive player. Alongside current Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods, Alexander helped form a dominant defensive line that led Thompson to four consecutive Alabama 7A state championships during his tenure. His time at Thompson was filled with accolades and impressive performances, making him one of the most coveted recruits in the country.
When Alexander came out of high school, he was regarded as the No. 1 player in the state of Alabama for the class of 2022. He was also ranked as the top edge rusher in the country and placed in the top-20 overall recruits nationally by 247Sports. With such a distinguished high school career, expectations were high for his transition to college football. However, Alexander’s time at Alabama has not gone as anticipated. Despite his immense talent and potential, he has struggled to see significant playing time in Tuscaloosa, contributing just eight tackles and no sacks in his first three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Alabama’s linebacker room, which has been one of the most talented in the country, has created a challenging environment for Alexander to break into, and his lack of production has led to the decision to transfer.
The decision to transfer did not come as a surprise to many, as Alexander’s potential has always been evident, but he needed a new environment to unlock it. At Clemson, Alexander will have the opportunity to play under a coaching staff that has consistently developed top-tier defensive players. Clemson’s defense has been one of the most formidable in college football, and with Alexander’s raw talent and experience, he could be poised for a breakout season in a new system. The Tigers’ defensive line, which already features talented players like Peter Woods, will be a great fit for Alexander’s skills, and he will be able to focus on refining his game in a new setting.
This move to bring Alexander in is significant not only because of his talent but also because it represents a shift in strategy for Dabo Swinney. Historically, Swinney has been averse to relying on the transfer portal to build his roster, preferring to develop players through the high school recruiting pipeline and the Tigers’ renowned player development program. However, in recent years, Swinney has begun to embrace the transfer portal more, realizing the importance of supplementing his roster with experienced players who can contribute immediately. Alexander’s addition marks the third portal player to join Clemson for the 2025 season, signaling that Swinney is adapting to the evolving landscape of college football.
In addition to Alexander, Clemson has also added defensive lineman Will Heldt from Purdue and wide receiver Tristan Smith from Southeast Missouri State. These players join a team that already boasts a strong core of returning talent. With the influx of transfers and the stability of a returning roster, Clemson appears well-positioned to make a strong push for the College Football Playoff and a national championship in 2025. The team’s defense will likely be one of the most formidable in the country, and with players like Alexander coming into the fold, the Tigers could have the depth and talent needed to compete with the best teams in college football.
Jeremiah Alexander’s commitment to Clemson is particularly important because it provides an immediate upgrade to an already strong defensive unit. The Tigers have been known for their defensive prowess, producing a number of high-level NFL prospects, and Alexander’s potential gives them another weapon to add to their arsenal. With his experience in a top-tier program like Alabama and the talent that made him one of the best recruits in the country, Alexander is primed to have a significant impact on Clemson’s defense. If he can harness the skills that made him a standout in high school and combine them with the coaching and development he will receive at Clemson, he could become one of the Tigers’ most disruptive defenders.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Tigers will be returning a lot of talent, particularly on defense. Key players like defensive lineman Peter Woods and linebacker Barrett Carter will anchor the defense, while Alexander provides additional depth and playmaking ability. The defensive line, in particular, could become one of the most dominant in college football, and Clemson’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks could be a major factor in their success. With a defense that can compete with the best, the Tigers will have the opportunity to focus on developing their offense, where quarterback Cade Klubnik is expected to take another step forward as a potential Heisman candidate. Klubnik’s development, combined with the strength of the defense, will make Clemson one of the top contenders in the upcoming season.
The 2025 season will also be a critical one for Swinney and his program as they look to return to championship contention. The College Football Playoff’s expanded format will offer more opportunities for teams to compete for the national title, and with the added depth and talent from transfers like Alexander, Clemson has positioned itself to be a major player in the playoff race. If the Tigers can continue to develop their players and integrate their new transfers effectively, they will be a team to watch in 2025 and beyond.
In conclusion, the commitment of Jeremiah Alexander from Alabama represents a significant step forward for Clemson’s defense as they aim to return to the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship. Alexander’s talent and potential, combined with the Tigers’ already impressive roster, make them a formidable team for the upcoming season. With this new strategy of incorporating transfers alongside their strong recruiting efforts, Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are poised for another run at the top of college football.
