Clemson Tigers Land SoCon Forward in Transfer Portal

Sanford's Dylan Faulkner joins Clemson's frontcourt for 2026-27 season

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:06pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp planes of orange and purple representing the dynamic action on the court.Clemson's frontcourt bolstered by the addition of transfer forward Dylan Faulkner, a proven rebounder and shot-blocker from the SoCon.Calhoun Today

Clemson basketball has added its second transfer of the offseason, landing Sanford forward Dylan Faulkner. The 6-foot-9 junior averaged 17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season, earning All-SoCon First Team and All-Defensive Team honors. Faulkner will provide an experienced interior presence for the Tigers as they look to replace the production of the departed Nick Davidson and RJ Godfrey.

Why it matters

Faulkner's addition is crucial for Clemson, as the team looks to fill a critical need in the frontcourt following the injury to Carter Welling and the departures of Davidson and Godfrey. His rebounding and shot-blocking ability will be valuable assets as the Tigers aim to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance last season.

The details

Faulkner, a native of Calhoun, Georgia, transferred to Clemson from Lipscomb this offseason. He started every game for Sanford last season, shooting 61.7% from the field and recording 12 double-doubles. The 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward is ranked as the No. 45 power forward in the transfer portal by On3.

  • Faulkner committed to Clemson on April 17, 2026.
  • He is expected to be available for the 2026-27 season, with one year of eligibility remaining.

The players

Dylan Faulkner

A 6-foot-9 junior forward who transferred from Sanford, where he was a First Team All-SoCon and All-Defensive Team selection last season.

Brad Brownell

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers, who has added Faulkner to his roster for the 2026-27 season.

Carter Welling

A Clemson player who tore his ACL in March and is expected to miss time at the start of the upcoming season.

Nick Davidson

A former Clemson player who has departed the team.

RJ Godfrey

A former Clemson player who has departed the team.

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What’s next

Clemson could look to add another big man to the roster in the coming weeks to further bolster their frontcourt depth.

The takeaway

Faulkner's addition provides an experienced and productive interior presence for the Clemson Tigers, helping to fill a critical need as the team looks to build on its NCAA Tournament appearance last season.