The Clemson Tigers landed their first commitment of the cycle Monday, as Elliot Washington II, a transfer defensive back from Penn State Nittany Lions, announced his pledge to the Tigers following a weekend visit to campus.
Washington spent three seasons at Penn State and played under current Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen during the 2024 season, giving him familiarity with the system Clemson is installing on the back end.
Immediate Help for a Rebuilt Secondary
Washington arrives at a critical time for Clemson, which has undergone a significant secondary overhaul this offseason.
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound defensive back appeared in 12 games this season as a reserve, recording 18 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups. Over his Penn State career, he totaled 53 tackles, nine pass deflections and two interceptions, contributing on both defense and special teams.
His commitment comes after a Sunday visit to Death Valley, where Clemson staff prioritized adding experienced, scheme-ready defensive backs following multiple departures in the secondary.
Proven Pedigree
Washington entered college football as one of the nation’s most decorated defensive back prospects.
A consensus four-star recruit out of Venice High School in Florida, Washington earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game and was ranked among the top defensive backs nationally by every major recruiting service. He was also a standout two-sport athlete, competing in track and field and holding multiple school relay records.
At Penn State, Washington developed steadily within a deep secondary, carving out a rotational role while gaining experience in high-leverage games, including postseason play.
Why Clemson Fits
Beyond his on-field production, Washington’s connection with Allen played a significant role in the decision. The familiarity allows for a smoother transition as Clemson continues to reshape its defensive identity.
Washington becomes the first portal addition in what is expected to be an active cycle for Clemson, particularly in the secondary, where veteran depth and competition were identified as offseason priorities.
For the Tigers, the commitment represents both momentum and clarity.
The rebuild has begun — and it has a cornerstone.