Clemson Lands Transfer Portal Addition from ACC Foe

Makenzie Nelson, a proven floor general from Virginia Tech, joins the Tigers' backcourt.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and perspectives of a basketball game, using bold colors like blue, orange, and green to capture the dynamic energy of the sport.Clemson's backcourt gets a boost with the addition of a proven floor general from the transfer portal.Clemson Today

Clemson Tigers head coach Shawn Poppie has landed his first transfer portal addition of the offseason, securing a commitment from Virginia Tech's Makenzie Nelson. The rising redshirt junior started all 32 games for the Hokies last season, averaging 8 points, 5.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Nelson, who has two years of eligibility remaining, should provide valuable experience and playmaking to Clemson's backcourt.

Why it matters

The addition of Nelson fills a key need for the Tigers, who are looking to replace the production of five-star recruit Trinity Jones, who was recently released from her letter of intent. Nelson's experience and passing ability should help boost Clemson's ball movement and overall offensive efficiency.

The details

Nelson was extremely efficient as a pass-first guard last season, leading the ACC with a 2.7 assist-to-turnover ratio, which ranked sixth nationally. She also notched two double-doubles in conference play. While her shooting was inconsistent, connecting on just 38.7% from the field, Nelson's defensive prowess and experience should make her a valuable addition to Clemson's roster.

  • Makenzie Nelson committed to Clemson on April 14, 2026.
  • The transfer portal opened on April 6, 2026.

The players

Shawn Poppie

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers basketball team, who previously served as an assistant and associate head coach at Virginia Tech.

Makenzie Nelson

A rising redshirt junior guard who is transferring from Virginia Tech to Clemson, where she will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Cayla King

A former four-year starter at Virginia Tech who is now a graduate assistant coach on Poppie's staff at Clemson, having played with Nelson during her time with the Hokies.

Trinity Jones

A five-star shooting guard who recently was released from her letter of intent with Clemson, creating a need in the Tigers' backcourt that Nelson is expected to help fill.

Rusne Augustiniate

A senior guard who transferred to Clemson from Georgia Tech last season and is expected to start alongside Nelson in the Tigers' backcourt.

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What they’re saying

“Makenzie Nelson is a proven floor general who will bring valuable experience and playmaking to our backcourt. Her passing ability and defensive prowess make her a great fit for our system, and we're excited to have her join the Clemson family.”

— Shawn Poppie, Head Coach, Clemson Tigers

What’s next

Clemson will continue to monitor the transfer portal for additional roster additions, as the Tigers look to build on their success from last season and compete for an ACC championship.

The takeaway

The addition of Makenzie Nelson from Virginia Tech gives Clemson a experienced, pass-first guard who should help solidify the Tigers' backcourt and provide a boost to their ball movement and overall offensive efficiency.