The Clemson Tigers landed their second portal commitment in as many days Tuesday, securing former California Golden Bears linebacker Luke Ferrelli, the ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year.
Ferrelli committed after visiting campus Tuesday, giving Clemson another instant-impact defender as the Tigers aggressively reshape their roster under defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
Production That Jumps Off the Page
As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Ferrelli emerged as one of the ACC’s most productive defenders despite playing on a rebuilding Cal roster.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker tied for second on the team with 87 tackles, adding five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. He finished tied for eighth in the ACC in total tackles and tied for ninth in tackles per game (7.3), earning All-ACC honorable mention in addition to the league’s top freshman defensive honor.
Ferrelli played in all 13 games and consistently showed sideline-to-sideline range, highlighted by a game-clinching interception against Boston College and a 10-tackle outing against Stanford.
Portal Momentum Builds Quickly
Ferrelli becomes Clemson’s second portal addition in two days, joining Penn State defensive back Elliot Washington II, who committed Monday after visiting campus.
The back-to-back commitments signal a noticeable shift in urgency as Clemson attacks clear roster needs on defense — particularly at linebacker and in the secondary — following offseason attrition.
Why Ferrelli Fits Clemson’s Defense
Ferrelli’s combination of size, instincts and tackling efficiency fits seamlessly into Allen’s defensive philosophy. He arrives with multiple years of eligibility remaining and the résumé of a player who has already proven he can produce at a high level in the ACC.
Just as important, his addition stabilizes a linebacker room that needed experience and leadership after a season marked by inconsistency.
What It Means Going Forward
Clemson’s portal activity is no longer theoretical — it’s tangible.
Landing the ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year less than 48 hours after adding a Big Ten defensive back reflects a staff intent on addressing weaknesses quickly and decisively.
More portal moves are expected, but Ferrelli’s commitment already stands as one of Clemson’s most significant additions of the offseason.