Clemson’s first offensive transfer of the portal cycle is already drawing national praise.
ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill ranked Clemson running back addition Chris Johnson Jr. No. 14 overall on his list of the 15 best transfer-portal fits from a busy window, citing the speed element the Tigers lacked a season ago.
Johnson, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from SMU, gives Clemson a true home-run threat in the backfield. Luginbill pointed to Johnson’s explosive profile and versatility as the defining traits that separate the move from a typical depth addition.
“Johnson is a home run threat and one of the fastest players in college football,” Luginbill said. “Clemson’s offense lacked a dynamic speedster at running back and struggled to run the ball consistently in 2025.”
Johnson averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception in a shared backfield at SMU, serving as both a change-of-pace runner and a reliable option in the passing game. His explosive-play rate ranked among the best nationally, according to ESPN’s evaluation.
The fit becomes even more intriguing under new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who is expected to emphasize tempo, space, and versatility. Johnson’s ability to stress defenses horizontally and vertically gives Clemson a skill set it largely lacked in 2025, when the run game leaned more toward physicality than speed.
Familiar faces on Clemson’s 2026 slate
Two of Clemson’s 2026 opponents also landed high on Luginbill’s list.
At No. 3 was LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, whom Luginbill described as a dynamic, improvisational playmaker capable of extending plays and thriving in a spread system. Clemson opens the 2026 season on the road against LSU, making the evaluation immediately relevant for the Tigers’ future planning.
South Carolina also appeared on the list at No. 7 after landing NC State offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak, a move aimed at stabilizing an offensive line that surrendered 43 sacks in 2025. Clemson faces the Gamecocks annually, keeping the ripple effects of portal success close to home.
For Clemson, Johnson’s ranking underscores a broader shift. The Tigers didn’t just dip into the portal for depth — they addressed a specific offensive deficiency with a player whose strengths align cleanly with their new scheme.