Why has Dabo Swinney only added defensive players in Clemson's record portal haul?

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CLEMSON — The transfer portal has been open since Jan. 2, and Clemson football has added its most transfers ever this season.

The Tigers have secured eight players from the portal with every addition coming on defense.

This allowed Clemson coach Dabo Swinney to shatter his single-season portal class record of three, which the Tigers set last season. Clemson has also taken more scholarship transfers this season than the Tigers had in the previous seven years of the portal's existence (five).

Here's where Clemson stands in the portal before it closes on Jan. 16.

Who Clemson, Dabo Swinney have added, lost in portal for 2026

Additions:

Colorado DE London Merritt
Oklahoma DT Markus Strong
West Georgia DT Kourtney Kelly

Losses:

OL Rowan Byrne
DE Markus Dixon
DE Caden Story
TE Josh Sapp
CB Michael Manaka
S Rob Billings
LB Jamal Anderson
RB Keith Adams Jr.
LB Dee Crayton
CB Shelton Lewis
ATH Marquise Henderson

Why are Dabo Swinney, Clemson focused on defensive players?

Swinney's roster had massive holes to fill on defense as the Tigers lost seven starters to expiring eligibility, the portal and the 2026 NFL Draft. As a result, Clemson has focused solely on adding defensive players.

Ferrelli, the reigning ACC defensive rookie of the year, can compete to be the No. 2 linebacker beside Sammy Brown. His quickness and ability to make tackles will boost Clemson's linebacker corps with Jeremiah Alexander and Kobe McCloud.

MORE: Inside Dabo Swinney's decision to hire Chad Morris as Clemson football OC, again

Washington, who played under Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen at Penn State in 2024, will bring speed and versatility to the cornerback room. He will compete to be Clemson's starting cornerback opposite of Ashton Hampton.

Carter and Myrick can be starters for a back end that gave up multiple coverage busts this season. Carter is a ball-hawking safety who tied for second in interceptions in FBS with six. Myrick, who is 6-foot-3, could slot in as Clemson's nickel cornerback with his ability to cover and make tackles in space.

Are Dabo Swinney, Clemson going to sign a transfer portal QB?

Clemson has landed no offensive players in the portal despite losing starters like quarterback Cade Klubnik, running back Adam Randall, wide receiver Antonio Williams, tackles Blake Miller and Tristan Leigh, center Ryan Linthiucm and guard Walker Parks.

The Tigers only lost three backup offensive players to the portal, and they are adding 12 offensive players in their 2026 recruiting class.

Still, Clemson's offense regressed this season despite having a wealth of experience and talent. The Tigers' biggest need is at offensive line after losing four starters. Clemson has only two linemen who have played in at least three seasons (Harris Sewell, Collin Sadler). Behind them are players who are coming off injuries or are inexperienced.

Another is at quarterback with all of Clemson's current quarterbacks lacking playing experience entering 2026.

The Tigers hired Chad Morris again as their offensive coordinator to improve the unit, but through the first week of the portal, it appears he will have to work with last year's Clemson roster and high-school additions.

Who is visiting Clemson football?

Here's the list of players who are visiting, will visit or have visited Clemson, according to various reports.

Kansas S Lyrik Rawls (visiting Jan. 10-11)
Iowa Western DL Andy Burburija (visiting Jan. 8)
Tennessee DT Jamal Wallace (visited Jan. 7)
Penn State CB Kenny Woseley Jr. (visited Jan. 7)
Southern California LB Matai Tagoa'i (visited Jan. 5)
California University of Pennsylvania DL Josh Hough (visited Jan. 5)
Memphis S Chris Bracy (visited Jan. 4)

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why Dabo Swinney hasn't signed a Clemson QB out of transfer portal yet

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