Former Penn State Nittany Lions' defensive back Elliot Washington II has committed to the Clemson Tigers after entering the transfer portal this offseason.
After a disappointing 2025 college football regular season for the Penn State Nittany Lions, newly-hired head coach Matt Campbell continues to deal with the mass exodus of former standout players from the program in the offseason.
According to On3Sports’ Hayes Fawcett, former Penn State defensive back Elliot Washington II has committed to the Clemson Tigers, following his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Washington, a former four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, was the No. 12-ranked safety in his respective class, per 247Sports’ Composite. Former interim head coach Terry Smith led the charge in his recruitment, and Washington would join fellow four-star safeties King Mack and DaKaari Nelson as the top three defensive backs in the class.
Despite being part of a massive defensive back recruiting class, Washington still managed to receive some playing time in his first season with the Nittany Lions, racking up nine tackles in 2023. It would not be until his sophomore season that he would truly begin to make a name for himself.
During the program’s incredible playoff run in 2024, Washington stepped into a rotational role in the secondary unit. He finished his sophomore season with 26 tackles, six pass deflections, and one interception over 366 defensive snaps. Washington’s strong efforts as a second-year player gave fans plenty of hope that he could build off his run and find success in 2025.
However, the former highly acclaimed high school prospect would fail to reach the next level as a junior. This year, Washington played in 12 games for the Nittany Lions, totaling 18 tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception on 256 snaps.
While Washington could have potentially stepped into an expanded role in 2026, he would quickly enter the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2025 season. And one month after his decision, he ultimately chose to take his talents to South Carolina for next season.
Looking ahead at the secondary next season, Campbell must continue to build his unit this offseason. In addition to Washington exiting the program, former cornerback A.J. Harris also hit the portal after the end of the 2025 season.