The Clemson Tigers hosted Elliot Washington II, a transfer cornerback from Penn State Nittany Lions, for an official campus visit — the first publicly known cornerback visitor of the Tigers’ transfer portal cycle.
Washington played under current Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen during the 2024 season at Penn State and has one year of eligibility remaining. He enters the portal rated as a three-star transfer and is listed among the top cornerbacks available.
Secondary in Transition
The visit comes at a critical juncture for Clemson’s defensive backfield.
The Tigers have lost six players from the secondary this offseason, including starting safeties Ricardo Jones and Khalil Barnes, along with Rob Billings, Shelton Lewis and Michael Mankaka to the portal. In addition, standout cornerback Avieon Terrell has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and is projected as a first-round selection.
With that level of turnover, Clemson has aggressively targeted veteran reinforcements. Washington joins Kansas safety Lyrik Rawls, who is scheduled to visit Death Valley on Jan. 10–11, as the Tigers look to stabilize the back end.
Washington’s Path
Washington’s football résumé began at Venice High School in Florida, where he became a varsity starter as a freshman and developed into one of the state’s most productive defensive backs. Over his high school career, he totaled 113 tackles, 13 interceptions, 11 pass deflections and four forced fumbles.
A former four-star recruit, Washington originally committed to Alabama before flipping to Penn State during his recruitment.
At Penn State, Washington contributed early. As a freshman, he appeared in 10 games, primarily on special teams. His role expanded in 2024, when he logged more than 300 defensive snaps across 14 games, finishing with 26 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception while allowing limited production in coverage.
This past season, Washington again saw rotational action, recording 18 tackles, three pass deflections and an interception. While his snap count dipped late in the year, he remains a proven Power Five defender with experience in a multiple-coverage system.
Where He Fits
Clemson’s cornerback room currently features Branden Strozier, Corian Gipson, Myles Oliver and Ashton Hampton.
Washington’s experience, familiarity with Allen’s scheme and remaining eligibility could make him an immediate contender for snaps if he elects to join the Tigers.
For Clemson, the message remains clear: rebuilding the secondary is a priority — and the work is already underway.