Clemson Guard Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Efrem 'Butta' Johnson leaves Tigers after one season

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Clemson senior guard Efrem 'Butta' Johnson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to reports. Johnson spent the 2025-26 season with the Tigers after transferring from UAB last offseason.

Why it matters

Player transfers are common in college basketball, as athletes seek new opportunities to develop their skills and increase their playing time. Johnson's decision to enter the portal could signal a desire for a fresh start at a different program.

The details

Johnson, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for Clemson last season. He played a reserve role, coming off the bench in 29 of the team's 32 games. Prior to joining the Tigers, Johnson spent two seasons at UAB, where he was a more prominent contributor.

  • Johnson transferred to Clemson ahead of the 2025-26 season.
  • He entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on April 8, 2026.

The players

Efrem 'Butta' Johnson

A 6-foot-3 senior guard who spent one season at Clemson after transferring from UAB.

Clemson Tigers

The NCAA Division I men's basketball team of Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina.

UAB Blazers

The NCAA Division I men's basketball team of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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What’s next

Johnson will now enter the NCAA transfer portal, where he can be contacted by other programs interested in adding him to their roster for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Johnson's decision to enter the transfer portal is a common occurrence in college basketball, as players seek new opportunities to showcase their skills and increase their playing time. His departure from Clemson after just one season suggests the program may not have been the right fit, and he'll now look to find a new home that better aligns with his goals and development.