Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers have made a significant move in the transfer portal.
Heading into the weekend, the Clemson Tigers had landed nine players in the transfer portal, with all of them being defensive players.
Considering Clemson has experienced a mass exodus on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, that's perfectly understandable.
Defensive tackles Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart, edge rusher T.J. Parker, cornerback Avieon Terrell and linebacker Wade Woodaz have all declared for the NFL Draft, and breakout safety Ricardo Jones — who racked up six interceptions in 2025 — has decided to transfer.
However, it's not like the Tigers are all well and good offensively, with quarterback Cade Klubnik, running back Adam Randall and wide receiver Antonio Williams all headed to the draft.
As a result, it was high time for head coach Dabo Swinney to get moving on the offensive end, and he did just that on Sunday by securing a commitment from former SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr., via The Clemson Insider.
It marked the first offensive player the Tigers landed in the portal.
Chris Johnson Jr. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.Johnson actually began his career at Miami in 2023 and spent two years with the Hurricanes, but did not receive much playing time.
The Fort Lauderdale, Fl. native then made the decision to transfer to SMU after 2024 and enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Mustangs this past season, rushing for 479 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He also logged 17 catches for 180 yards and a score.
In fact, Johnson carried the ball six times for 59 yards and a touchdown in SMU's win over Clemson back on Oct. 18.
The Tigers ranked 11th in the ACC in rushing offense this year, so there is no question their rushing attack could use a boost, especially with Randall departing.
Clemson has also lost two running backs to the portal this winter, with Marquise Henderson — a former four-star recruit — and Keith Adams Jr. both bolting.
The Tigers entered 2025 hoping to contend for a national championship, but instead, they went just 7-6, marking their worst finish since going 6-7 in Swinney's second year at the helm in 2010.
We'll see if Clemson can bounce back in 2026.