The transfer portal is already reshaping Clemson’s roster — and one departure stands above the rest.
Defensive tackle Stephiylan Green officially entered the portal Friday, becoming the 11th Clemson player — and seventh defensive contributor — to depart during the January window. His exit further thins an interior defensive line already facing significant turnover.
Green’s decision carries added weight because it comes after steady development, not a lack of opportunity. A four-star prospect from Georgia in the 2023 class, Green arrived alongside future stars and worked his way into Clemson’s rotation over the past two seasons.
After redshirting as a freshman, Green emerged as a key interior piece, earning Freshman All-America honors in 2024 and following it with his most productive season in 2025 despite battling injuries. He finished the year with 18 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 10 games and was widely expected to play a major role next season.
Instead, he now leaves with two years of eligibility remaining, creating a major need up front as Clemson retools its defensive front.
Clemson players currently in the transfer portal
- DT Stephiylan Green
- DT Caden Story
- TE Josh Sapp
- S Khalil Barnes
- S Robert Billings
- LB Dee Crayton
- LB Jamal Anderson
- RB Keith Adams Jr.
- CB Michael Mankaka (former walk-on)
- QB Cade Trotter (walk-on)
- DB Shelton Lewis (left midseason)
Green’s departure further complicates Clemson’s defensive tackle outlook. Three interior linemen are now exiting the program, with only one defensive tackle signee set to arrive this offseason. That reality heightens the importance of portal additions over the next two weeks.
The January window remains open through Jan. 16, and this cycle carries added urgency. There will be no spring transfer portal window in 2026, making this Clemson’s lone opportunity to address roster needs before spring practice.
With numbers already climbing — and depth concerns mounting in the trenches — Clemson’s portal work is only beginning.