Clemson Tigers Transfer Portal: Top 5 potential recruits Clemson should look out for
Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers have been adamant about entering the transfer portal. In the new college football landscape, and while preparing for the expanded College Football Playoff, that approach is likely to change this year.
Swinney brought in a couple of quarterbacks in past years: Hunter Johnson (2022) and Paul Tyson (2023). But this year, the Tigers have jumped into the portal looking to find the talent to get into the top echelon of the FBS again.
They already got two recruits: Purdue edge rusher Will Heldt and Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith.
It’s not like Clemson (10-3, 7-1 in the ACC) has fallen off the map. They are in the CFP for a reason, but the formula will likely evolve.
Here's a closer look at five potential targets Clemson should look to recruit via the transfer portal.
Top 5 players Clemson Tigers should look to recruit via transfer portal
#5. Marcos Davila, Purdue Boilermakers
How about going the usual route and getting a backup quarterback? The Midland, Texas native was a backup at Purdue. Marcos Davila is young and has some traits that could serve the Tigers in case Cade Klubik leaves for the prose.
If Klubik stays, Davila gives Swinney another talented player in the quarterback room who can eventually battle for a starting job.
#4. Devonte Ross, Troy Trojans
Wide receiver is probably Clemson's biggest need entering 2025. While there are some talented players, most of them are still young. Devonte Ross has proven experience at the college level and is coming off his best season.
The Cartersville, Georgia native finished the season with 76 receptions for 1,043 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Trojans. The elusive wide receiver looks cut for Dabo Swinney’s offense.
#3. Tyriq Poindexter, VMI Keydets
The Tigers don’t have much depth or experience in the interior of the offensive line. Poindexter is well-regarded after three seasons at VMI. He is the 22nd-ranked interior lineman in the portal, according to 247, so the potential is there.
Walker Parks is returning for next season, but Marcus Tate is most likely leaving. Poindexter would have to get used to the improved level of competition, but with his talent, he could be a contributor for Clemson.
#2. Malachi Fields, Virginia Cavaliers
Clemson lost Troy Stellato and Noble Johnson to the portal and will look to get more bodies in the wide receiver room. They already got Smith to commit, but having another veteran could help.
Malachi Fields will be a fifth-year senior next season. He was productive at Virginia with 129 receptions for 1,849 yards and 11 touchdowns. He could give the Tigers an experienced pass catcher for a year.
#1. Jalen Stroman, Virginia Tech Hokies
The Tigers need help at the safety position with RJ Mickens graduating and Sherrod Covil transferring to Virginia Tech. Tyler Venables could also be headed out, as he could use the COVID year to return for one more go at it.
Trading Covil for Jalen Stroman would be a solid move for the Tigers. The former Hokie played in only one game in 2024, but he had 55 tackles, and two passes defended a year before. He would bring experience and could start next to Khalil Barnes for a year while other safeties on the roster get some seasoning.
Which players do you think the Clemson Tigers should look to recruit via the transfer portal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.