Clemson continued its transfer portal push Wednesday night, landing Oklahoma defensive lineman Markus Strong to further reinforce a defensive line that has become a clear offseason priority.
The addition matters not just for depth, but for trajectory, as Clemson continues to stock its front with players who bring Power Four experience and immediate competition heading into spring practice.
Why Clemson targeted Strong up front
Strong arrives from the Oklahoma Sooners with two years of eligibility remaining, giving Clemson both short-term reinforcement and longer-term roster flexibility.
After visiting campus earlier this week, Strong announced his commitment shortly after, signaling that Clemson’s recent portal momentum is resonating with experienced defensive prospects.
Defensive line emphasis takes shape
Strong becomes Clemson’s second defensive line transfer commitment, underscoring how aggressively the staff has attacked the trenches during this portal cycle. The Tigers have prioritized players who can rotate early, elevate practice competition and stabilize depth across the front.
For a program that has leaned heavily on internal development in recent years, this stretch represents a notable shift toward supplementing the roster with proven college experience.
What this means moving forward
The commitment adds another layer of competition to a unit that will be reshaped over the next several months, especially with spring reps approaching and roles still unsettled.
Strong confirmed his decision on social media, writing, “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!”
As the portal window continues, Clemson’s defensive rebuild is beginning to show a clear blueprint—one centered on depth, flexibility and sustained pressure up front for the Clemson Tigers.