Just when it looked like the transfer portal was about to close for good, Brad Brownell pulled off another stunner for the 2026-27 Tigers. On Monday night, Clemson locked in a commitment from Liutauras Lelevicius, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Lithuanian guard who turned heads last season in the Big 12 with TCU.
Lelevicius is the third big-time portal addition this offseason, and he might be the most complete scorer of the group. For a Clemson squad coming off a 24-11 campaign and a third straight NCAA Tournament trip, landing a proven veteran with high-major chops is exactly the kind of move that can help the Tigers finally break through that first-round wall in Tampa.
A Proven Big 12 Weapon
Want a taste of the fire Lelevicius is bringing to Littlejohn? Just rewind to January 6, when he torched Kansas for 24 points in an overtime classic, helping TCU take down the Jayhawks. That was no one-off. He hit double figures 13 times last season, showing he’s at his best when the stage is biggest.
He’s a matchup problem waiting to happen. At 6-foot-7, he can muscle smaller guards and make defenders pay if they give him any space. Last year at TCU, he started 22 games, averaged 8 points and 3.4 boards, and—here’s the kicker—drilled 38 percent from deep and nearly 46 percent from the floor. That’s the kind of shooting Clemson fans can get excited about.
The Ultimate Veteran Piece
Lelevicius is a true "plug-and-play" veteran with one year of eliLelevicius is the definition of plug-and-play, with one year left to make his mark. This will be his third program in three years, after starting out at Oregon State where he put up 8.7 points and 4 rebounds as a freshman. He’s seen every defense the Power 4 can throw at him, and he’s ready to bring that experience to Tiger Town.rownell has been busy, previously landing former Samford forward Dylan Faulkner and Notre Dame shooting guard Cole Certa. By bringing in Lelevicius, the Tigers have added a lethal combination of length, shooting, and elite competition experience.
Looking Ahead
Tiger Nation still remembers that sting from Iowa, but this 2026-27 roster is a message: Clemson isn’t just showing up to the dance, we’re planning to stick around. With key vets back and this wave of portal talent, the Tigers are building for a real run.
Liutauras Lelevicius brings size, skill, and that trademark Lithuanian toughness to the Upstate. Welcome to Tiger Town, Liutauras—let’s get to work.
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