Five Clemson Transfer Portal Additions Who Can Help Right Away

Clemson looks to bounce back from one of their worst seasons with a large transfer portal class.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Clemson is bringing in several key transfers to help bolster their roster and improve on a disappointing 2025 season. The five transfers highlighted include running back Chris Johnson Jr., safety Jerome Carter III, defensive lineman Markus Strong, edge rusher C.J. Wesley, and cornerback Elliot Washington II. These players are expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers in 2026.

Why it matters

Clemson is coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory and will need to reload through the transfer portal to bounce back. These five additions bring experience, production, and specific skill sets that should help address some of the Tigers' biggest weaknesses from last year, particularly on defense.

The details

Chris Johnson Jr. is a speedy running back who averaged 7.1 yards per carry at SMU last season and could take over as Clemson's featured back. Jerome Carter III had a standout year at Old Dominion, tying for the second-most interceptions in the FBS. Markus Strong provides depth and experience on the defensive line, while C.J. Wesley is a pass-rushing specialist who had a breakout year at Howard. Elliot Washington II brings 38 games of experience at cornerback from Penn State to help shore up Clemson's secondary.

  • Clemson is bringing in this large transfer class ahead of the 2026 season.
  • Johnson Jr., Carter III, Strong, Wesley, and Washington II all played for their previous schools in the 2025 season.

The players

Chris Johnson Jr.

A running back who averaged 7.1 yards per carry and had 479 yards and 4 touchdowns at SMU last season.

Jerome Carter III

A safety who finished tied for the second-most interceptions in the FBS with 6 last season at Old Dominion.

Markus Strong

A defensive lineman who had 11 tackles, 3 sacks, and 4 tackles-for-loss in 14 games over 3 seasons at Oklahoma.

C.J. Wesley

An edge rusher who had 33 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 tackles-for-loss in his breakout redshirt junior season at Howard.

Elliot Washington II

A cornerback who has appeared in 38 games over his career at Penn State, totaling 53 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 9 pass deflections.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Clemson will look to integrate these transfer additions into their roster and have them contribute immediately in the 2026 season as the Tigers aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The takeaway

Clemson's large transfer portal class, highlighted by these five players, demonstrates the program's willingness to aggressively address weaknesses and bring in experienced talent from other schools to help the Tigers return to their usual high level of performance.