Brad Brownell and his basketball staff have been all business, showing everyone how it’s done. The Tigers have turned the chaos into a masterclass, quietly building a roster that’s ready to make noise.
Clemson just locked in its 2026–27 transfer class, and Tiger fans, this group is built to win now. Four new faces—Cole Certa from Notre Dame, Dylan Faulkner from Samford, Liutauras Lelevicius from TCU, and David Fuchs from San Francisco—are coming in to light up the perimeter and bring some serious muscle to the paint.
This class is the perfect mix: ACC scoring firepower, international skill, and tough-as-nails defense from the mid-major ranks. Clemson’s roster just got older, tougher, and ready to make a real run in March.
1. Cole Certa | 6'5" Guard | Notre Dame
- The 2025–26 Production: Averaged 12.8 points per game, exploding down the stretch to average 19.5 points over his final 11 contests, highlighted by three separate 30-point performances.
- The Blueprint: Certa finished his sophomore season drawing widespread votes for the ACC's Most Improved Player. He gives the Tigers an immediate, plug-and-play elite perimeter sniper who can stretch opposing ACC zone schemes.
"Cole is an elite shooter who has proven himself to be a high-level scorer in the ACC," Brownell said. "He not only has range shooting but he’s a player we think can make plays off the dribble. I really like his competitive spirit and I’m anxious to coach him this season."
2. Dylan Faulkner | 6'9" Forward | Samford
- The 2025–26 Production: Dropped 515 points and grabbed 257 rebounds for the Bulldogs, collecting 11 double-doubles (including a wild stretch of seven straight double-doubles in February).
- The Blueprint: Faulkner is a high-flying, relentless big man who learned from one of the best in Lennie Acuff. He’ll bring Clemson the rim protection and rebounding edge we’ve been missing, and he’s not afraid to do the dirty work.
"Dylan is a good athlete with an extremely high motor," Brownell noted. "He has a knack for rebounding and has certainly developed into one of the best post players in the Southern Conference. Having played for one of the best in Coach Acuff, he should adjust very quickly to our system of play."
3. Liutauras "LT" Lelevicius | 6'7" Forward | TCU
- The 2025–26 Production: LT averaged 8 points and 3.4 rebounds, but what jumps off the page is his 38% shooting from three and nearly 89% at the line. That’s the kind of shooting that changes games late.
- The Blueprint: LT comes to Clemson with 67 games of big-time college experience and a reputation as a winner overseas. He put up nearly 18 a game for Lithuania’s U20 squad, so you know he’s not going to shy away from the moment.
"LT is a versatile forward whose shooting ability will put stress on defenses," Brownell said. "He has a great deal of experience at this level and internationally for Lithuania."
4. David Fuchs | 6'9" Forward | San Francisco
- The 2025–26 Production: Fuchs was the WCC Newcomer of the Year and made Second Team All-WCC, leading San Francisco in rebounds and shooting over 51% from the field. He averaged 12.7 points and 7.8 rebounds—numbers that translate anywhere.
- The Blueprint: Fuchs is a physical force in the paint, the kind of low-post brawler Clemson fans love. Only a dozen players in the country have matched his points and rebounds in so few games over the last three years. He’s built for the ACC grind.
"David is a mature, physical post player who can play out of both the high and low post," Brownell concluded. "He is also an elite rebounder, whose physicality and toughness will be very important to this team."
The Strategy Behind the Portal Haul
Brownell’s 2026 transfer class is exactly what the doctor ordered for Clemson basketball. The Tigers needed more shooting and toughness up front, and now they’ve got both. By pulling in proven ACC talent and hungry mid-major stars, Clemson heads into the summer with a roster that’s deep, physical, and ready to come together fast.
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