Clemson Linebackers Ready to Step Up After Transfer Chaos

Kobe McCloud and Jeremiah Alexander poised to take on bigger roles for Tigers in 2026 season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Following the late transfer of Cal linebacker Luke Ferrelli to Ole Miss, Clemson's linebacker group is confident that Kobe McCloud and Jeremiah Alexander are ready to step up and play a bigger role alongside returning standout Sammy Brown. McCloud, who suffered a season-ending injury in 2024, is eager to make an impact, while Alexander, an Alabama transfer, believes he has developed significantly at the inside linebacker position.

Why it matters

Clemson's linebacker corps faced uncertainty after Ferrelli's departure, but the Tigers' 'next man up' mentality has McCloud and Alexander primed to seize the opportunity and prove they can fill the void left by the transfer.

The details

McCloud, a redshirt junior, missed most of the 2024 season due to injury but used that time to focus on mental preparation, believing his ability will allow him to thrive. Alexander, an Alabama transfer, has spent the last two years developing at the inside linebacker spot and is confident he can make a bigger impact in 2026. Both players have the mentality and work ethic that has impressed head coach Dabo Swinney, who expects them to step up and lead the group.

  • In January 2026, Cal linebacker Luke Ferrelli flipped his commitment to Ole Miss late in the recruiting cycle.
  • McCloud suffered a season-ending injury at the start of the 2024 regular season.

The players

Kobe McCloud

A redshirt junior linebacker at Clemson who missed most of the 2024 season due to injury but is eager to make an impact in 2026.

Jeremiah Alexander

An Alabama transfer linebacker who has spent the last two years developing at the inside linebacker position and believes he can make a bigger impact in 2026.

Sammy Brown

A First Team All-ACC standout linebacker who will continue to be a leader of the Clemson defense in 2026.

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers, who has praised the work ethic of players like Jeremiah Alexander.

Ben Bouleware

The position coach for the Clemson linebackers, who instills a 'next man up' mentality in his group.

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What they’re saying

“It's different from being on the field, you know. I had to be on the sideline, just taking mental reps and obviously, as a player, that hurt the heart. So, I put in extra work just to get where I'm at now, and it feels amazing.”

— Kobe McCloud, Redshirt Junior Linebacker (si.com)

“Going into my last year, I feel like the last two years I've been playing inside linebacker, and I've developed a lot at the inside linebacker position.”

— Jeremiah Alexander, Alabama Transfer Linebacker (si.com)

“Confidence comes from your preparation, so, just week in and week out, just staying true to the game plan and to the process each and every week allowed me to stay focused on right now, and when the opportunities presented themselves, I was able to take advantage of them.”

— Jeremiah Alexander, Alabama Transfer Linebacker (si.com)

“I trust my ability 1,000%, so, you know, I never worry about anything going on that I can't control. I can control Kobe McCloud, so I put my head down and work.”

— Kobe McCloud, Redshirt Junior Linebacker (si.com)

“Like I said, I'm just always mentally prepared for any situation I'm put in. That's what I work for each and every day. So, I feel like it just came natural to me, just being out there making plays for the team.”

— Kobe McCloud, Redshirt Junior Linebacker (si.com)

What’s next

As spring practice continues, McCloud and Alexander will look to solidify their roles as the starting inside linebackers alongside Sammy Brown, with the goal of leading Clemson's defense in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Clemson's linebacker group has faced adversity with the late transfer of Luke Ferrelli, but the Tigers' 'next man up' mentality has McCloud and Alexander poised to step up and prove they can fill the void. Their confidence, work ethic, and development have the coaching staff believing they are ready to take on bigger roles and lead the defense in 2026.