Clemson continued its defense-heavy transfer portal push Thursday, landing former Colorado edge rusher London Merritt and further signaling how aggressively the Tigers are reshaping their front.
The commitment gives Clemson another young, high-upside pass rusher and marks the program’s eighth portal addition since the window opened—every one of them on the defensive side of the ball.
Why Merritt fits Clemson’s plan
Merritt arrives from the Colorado Buffaloes after a productive freshman season in 2025. Listed at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, he recorded 23 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and a sack while appearing in all 12 games and making one start.
That early impact earned Merritt All-Freshman recognition from Pro Football Focus and an honorable mention for Big 12 Freshman of the Year, markers that highlight both his immediate contribution and developmental ceiling.
Proven pedigree, room to grow
A former four-star recruit from IMG Academy, Merritt was ranked among the top edge rushers in the 2025 class. His blend of size and disruption stood out within a Colorado defense led by coach Deion Sanders, giving Clemson a defender who has already handled Power Four competition.
With multiple years of eligibility remaining, Merritt offers both rotation value now and potential growth into a larger role over time.
What this means moving forward
Merritt becomes the latest defensive addition in a portal run that has touched every level of Clemson’s defense. The Tigers also added defensive tackle Markus Strong earlier in the day, reinforcing a clear emphasis on trench depth and pass-rush versatility.
As the portal window continues, Clemson’s approach is coming into focus: add proven production, raise competition across the front and give the defensive staff multiple lineup options heading into spring for the Clemson Tigers.