You've probably heard the jokes by now. Dabo Swinney and the transfer portal have historically had a relationship about as friendly as a cat and a vacuum cleaner. But something shifted in the Upstate this January. If you’ve been tracking Clemson football news and rumors, you know the "Old Clemson" way of ignoring the portal is officially dead.
Dead and buried.
After a 7-6 season that ended with a thud in a 22-10 Pinstripe Bowl loss to Penn State, the reality of modern college football finally hit home in Death Valley. The Tigers aren't just dipping their toes in the water anymore; they're doing a full-on cannonball.
The Offensive Coordinator Carousel: Chad Morris 2.0?
The biggest bombshell of the winter wasn't a player leaving, but a coach. On December 29, Swinney fired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. It was a move many saw coming but few thought Dabo would actually pull the trigger on so quickly. Riley was supposed to be the "Air Raid" savior, but the offense looked more like a "Paper Plane" by the time November rolled around.
Now, the rumors are swirling like a South Carolina thunderstorm. The name on everyone's lips? Chad Morris.
Yeah, that Chad Morris.
The guy who basically built the foundation for the Deshaun Watson era. Some fans are absolutely torn on this. On one hand, his first stint at Clemson was legendary. On the other, his head coaching career was... well, let’s just call it "rough." Is Dabo reaching for a security blanket because he’s scared of new blood? Or is this the "tempo-or-bust" philosophy Clemson needs to find its identity again?
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While we wait for the official ink on the OC contract, the message is clear: the offense has to change. Cade Klubnik is gone. His senior year was a mixed bag—2,943 yards and 16 touchdowns just isn't the elite production this program expects.
The Portal Explosion: A Record-Setting Haul
Let's talk about the transfer portal because, frankly, that's where the real Clemson football news and rumors are living right now.
In a move that shocked the national media, Clemson has signed 10 transfers as of mid-January. This is a program record. It seems Tom Allen, the new defensive coordinator, has been whispering in Dabo’s ear. It’s working.
Check out who’s coming in:
- Luke Ferrelli: The ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year from Cal. This kid is a heat-seeking missile at linebacker.
- Elliot Washington II: A former Penn State DB who actually played against the Tigers in the bowl game. Talk about "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
- London Merritt: An explosive edge rusher who should help ease the pain of losing Peter Woods to the NFL.
- Chris Johnson Jr.: A lightning-fast running back transfer who finally gives Clemson an offensive portal win.
Honestly, it’s about time. For years, Clemson fans watched Florida State and Miami reload via the portal while the Tigers relied solely on high school recruiting. That strategy works when you’re hitting on every 5-star, but when you miss? You end up 7-6 and playing in a baseball stadium in the Bronx in December.
The Offensive Line Crisis
While the defense is getting a facelift, the offensive line is a massive question mark. Clemson is losing four starters up front. Four.
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Matt Luke, the OL coach, has his work cut out for him. The rumor mill says the Tigers are "all-in" on trying to flip Josiah Thompson from South Carolina. He's a 6-foot-7 monster who started 24 games for the Gamecocks. Landing an in-state rival's best lineman would be the ultimate power move, but it’s a dogfight.
Without a veteran line, it won't matter who the new OC is. We’ve seen this movie before. If the pocket collapses in two seconds, even Trevor Lawrence would look human.
The 2026 Recruiting Class: The Future is (Still) Bright
Despite the portal madness, Dabo hasn't abandoned his "build from the ground up" roots. The 2026 class is currently ranked in the top 20 nationally.
The crown jewel is Leo Delaney, a four-star offensive tackle from Charlotte. He’s the kind of guy who can start on day one. Then you've got Naeem Burroughs, a receiver with legitimate track speed. Clemson hasn't had a true "take the top off" threat in what feels like a decade.
Why the 2026 Class Matters:
- It fixes the depth issues created by 2025 decommitments.
- It leans heavily on the "Mid-Atlantic" pipeline (Virginia/Ohio).
- It includes Tait Reynolds, a dual-threat QB who might be the long-term answer after the Klubnik era.
What's Next for the Tigers?
The vibe in Clemson is different right now. There's a sense of urgency that hasn't been there since 2014. Swinney is being aggressive, the fans are restless, and the ACC is more competitive than ever with SMU and Louisville making noise.
If you're looking for actionable ways to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you need to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.
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Watch the January 16 Portal Deadline
The window closes tomorrow. Rumors suggest Clemson is still talking to a Big Ten defensive tackle and an SEC edge rusher. If they land one more big body on the interior, this defense becomes a top-10 unit instantly.
Monitor the Quarterback Battle
With Klubnik gone, the job belongs to Christopher Vizzina—for now. But Dabo didn't rule out taking a portal QB if the right one enters. If a big name from the SEC decides to jump ship, don't be surprised if Clemson makes a call.
Keep an eye on Spring Practice
The "new" offense will debut in March. Whether it’s Chad Morris or a surprise candidate, the tempo is going to be the story. If the Tigers aren't snapping the ball every 18 seconds, the fan base might actually riot.
The era of "Dabo against the world" might not be over, but he’s finally realized he needs better weapons to win the war. 2026 is shaping up to be a "make or break" year for the program’s elite status.
For the most immediate updates, follow local insiders like David Hood or the crew at Rubbing the Rock. They’re usually the first to catch wind of a commitment before it hits the national wires. Pay close attention to any "crystal ball" flips in the next 48 hours—that's where the real drama lives.