Clemson finally added an offensive piece from the transfer portal Sunday, landing SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr. after a weekend visit to campus.
Johnson becomes the Tigers’ first offensive transfer commitment of the cycle and their 10th portal addition overall, giving head coach Dabo Swinney a much-needed injection of speed at a skill position.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native arrives in Clemson with two years of eligibility remaining. A former Miami transfer, Johnson totaled 659 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns for SMU Mustangs during the 2025 season, carving out a role as both a change-of-pace runner and kickoff return option.
Clemson saw Johnson up close last fall. He posted 99 total yards and a rushing touchdown in SMU’s 35–24 win at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 18, a performance that stood out to the Tigers’ staff as the portal cycle unfolded.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 169 pounds, Johnson is rated as a three-star transfer and the No. 81 running back available in the portal. His skill set adds a different dimension to a Clemson backfield that is undergoing transition after the departure of veteran starter Adam Randall, who exhausted his eligibility.
Johnson joins a running back room that now features multiple options, including Gideon Davidson and David Eziomume. With offensive coordinator Chad Morris returning to Clemson, the Tigers could lean toward a committee approach rather than relying on a single bell-cow back.
Depth also played a role in the addition. Former Clemson running back Keith Adams Jr. entered the transfer portal in December, leaving the Tigers thinner at the position entering the offseason.
Coming out of high school, Johnson was a four-star prospect in the Class of 2023. He chose Miami over programs such as Georgia and Ole Miss, despite receiving an offer from Clemson Tigers.
While Clemson’s offensive portal work may not be finished, Johnson’s commitment represents a notable first step in retooling that side of the ball ahead of the 2026 season.