The Clemson Tigers landed their third transfer commitment in two days Wednesday, securing Old Dominion safety Jerome Carter, one of the most productive defensive backs in the Sun Belt Conference last season.
Carter, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound safety, committed following a two-day visit to campus, giving Clemson another experienced playmaker for a secondary that underwent major offseason turnover.
Production That Travels
Carter earned All-Sun Belt honors in 2025 after posting 76 tackles, two pass breakups and six interceptions — a total that tied Clemson’s departed Ricardo Jones for second nationally.
Over two seasons at Old Dominion, Carter appeared in 25 games and totaled 98 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and six interceptions, emerging as one of the conference’s most reliable back-end defenders.
According to Pro Football Focus, Carter graded at 76.8 overall during the season and closed the year with an 86.8 grade in the Monarchs’ bowl game against South Florida, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent, assignment-sound safety with strong ball skills.
Portal Momentum Accelerates
Carter becomes Clemson’s third portal addition in a 48-hour span, joining Penn State defensive back Elliot Washington II and former California linebacker Luke Ferrelli.
The flurry of defensive commitments underscores a clear shift in urgency as head coach Dabo Swinney and defensive coordinator Tom Allen move quickly to address roster needs created by graduations, transfers and early NFL declarations.
Pedigree and Eligibility
Carter also brings a football lineage to Clemson. He is the son of former Florida State standout safety Jerome Carter, adding another layer of pedigree to the Tigers’ defensive backfield.
With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Carter provides both immediate depth and multi-year stability at a position that was thinned significantly during the offseason.
What It Means for Clemson
Clemson’s portal approach is no longer cautious — it’s targeted.
By adding Washington, Ferrelli and Carter in rapid succession, the Tigers have infused experience, production and playmaking ability into three different levels of the defense. Carter’s interception numbers, in particular, address a unit that struggled to consistently flip field position in 2025.
More portal activity is expected, but Clemson’s defensive foundation for 2026 is beginning to take shape.