The transfer portal window may be closed, but Clemson’s roster construction is not. As the Tigers retool their defensive front for 2026, the focus has narrowed to adding experienced depth up front while managing a steady outflow of veteran contributors finding new homes elsewhere.
The push underscores a familiar theme for Clemson under Dabo Swinney: supplementing a veteran-heavy core with targeted additions rather than wholesale turnover — even as the portal reshapes the college football landscape.
Florida edge transfer set for Death Valley visit
Florida transfer Brien Taylor Jr. is scheduled to visit Clemson on Monday after wrapping up a weekend trip to Tennessee, giving the Tigers another potential option on the edge.
Taylor arrives with a developmental profile. A former junior college standout from Blinn College, he earned four-star JUCO status before signing with Florida, where he played two seasons in a reserve role. His production ticked up in 2025, finishing with 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble despite remaining a rotational piece.
With first-round caliber defensive end T.J. Parker declaring for the NFL draft, edge depth has become a priority. Clemson returns All-ACC performer Will Heldt and rising senior Jahiem Lawson, while already adding transfers London Merritt (Colorado) and C.J. Wesley (Howard) earlier in the window.
Taylor’s versatility — he has played both on the edge and inside — adds to his appeal, though his eligibility hinges on a pending junior college waiver that could grant him a fifth season.
Interior line pursuit continues with JUCO flip watch
Clemson’s work is not limited to the edge. The Tigers are also tracking Iowa Western defensive tackle Andy Burburija, a top-60 JUCO prospect who committed to Nebraska just days ago after a whirlwind recruitment.
Burburija, a 290-pound interior lineman, posted 11 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss last season and has been one of the most productive JUCO defenders in the country. His recruitment has already included commitments to Washington State and Kansas State before portal entry following a coaching change, underscoring both his upside and the volatility of the process.
Clemson has already added interior help with Markus Strong (Oklahoma) and Kourtney Kelly (West Georgia), but the staff has been open about seeking one more rotation piece to stabilize the front seven.
Former Tigers begin next chapters elsewhere
While Clemson targets reinforcements, several former Tigers have landed at new Power Four programs.
Safety Khalil Barnes heads to Georgia after starting 30 games at Clemson and recording seven career interceptions. Defensive back Ricardo Jones moves to Vanderbilt following a 2025 season in which he tied for the ACC lead with six interceptions.
Defensive tackle Stephiylan Green transfers to LSU after his most active season as a Tiger, while tight end Josh Sapp closes his Clemson chapter with a move to West Virginia. Offensive lineman Rowan Byrne joins North Carolina, cornerback Shelton Lewis lands at Arkansas, and linebackers Dee Crayton (UNLV) and Jamal Anderson (SMU) also find new homes. Safety Rob Billings transfers to UNLV after appearing in 32 games at Clemson.
Big picture: calculated additions, familiar philosophy
Clemson’s approach remains consistent: targeted portal additions to complement internal development, not replace it. Whether Taylor’s visit leads to a commitment or Burburija’s recruitment swings again, the Tigers are working to fine-tune the defensive front — one of the defining questions of their 2026 outlook.
As departures settle and visits continue, Clemson’s offseason message is clear: the portal window may have closed, but roster building never really does.