Clemson has never treated the transfer portal as a primary roster-building tool. But this January feels different.
With roster turnover mounting on both sides of the ball — particularly in the secondary and at quarterback — the Tigers are positioned to be more selective than aggressive, more strategic than reactionary. That approach could soon be tested by the availability of one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football.
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a move that immediately places him among the most intriguing options on the market.
Hoover projects to return as the most statistically productive quarterback expected to be available for the 2026 season, with 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdown passes. His résumé alone would command attention. His connections to Clemson’s coaching staff elevate the conversation.
Hoover originally committed to Tom Allen at Indiana, then flipped to Garrett Riley at TCU — both now coordinators at Clemson. While prior relationships don’t guarantee a destination, they often open doors, especially in a portal cycle defined by familiarity and fit.
For Clemson, quarterback evaluation is unavoidable. Cade Klubnik is departing for the NFL, leaving a room that must balance development with readiness. Adding a veteran presence doesn’t signal a lack of confidence in younger players — it reflects the reality of roster management in the modern era.
Hoover’s experience in Riley’s offensive system would shorten any learning curve, and his production suggests he could provide immediate stability. Whether Clemson pursues him aggressively remains to be seen, but the alignment is notable.
Quarterback, however, is only one part of Clemson’s portal calculus.
The Tigers’ most urgent needs remain on defense, particularly in the secondary. Clemson finished outside the top 100 nationally in passing defense, and attrition has thinned an already stressed unit. Cornerback and safety reinforcements are expected to be priority additions.
Among names Clemson could evaluate:
- Jay Crawford, CB, Auburn, a boundary corner with starting experience.
- Tawfiq Byard, S, Colorado, a high-volume tackler who brings physicality.
- Edwin Joseph, S, Florida State, a ball-hawking safety with ACC familiarity.
Up front, Clemson may look to add help along the defensive edge and offensive line. Pass rush remains a complementary need to coverage improvement, while interior offensive line depth has become increasingly valuable in an era defined by injuries and attrition.
Penn State edge rusher Chaz Coleman plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The former On3 True Freshman Midseason All-American brings upside and long-term value at a position where Clemson continues to seek rotational depth and disruption off the edge
Potential fits include:
- Adam Trick, EDGE, Miami (Ohio), who produced 8.5 sacks.
- Christian Alliegro, LB, Wisconsin, a versatile linebacker with blitz ability.
- Connor Stroh, OL, Texas, a guard with Power Five starting experience.
Clemson could also explore adding another perimeter playmaker on offense. Omarion Miller, formerly of Colorado, brings proven production and size, finishing with 808 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
At quarterback, Hoover isn’t the only option Clemson could consider, but Hoover stands apart because of his combination of production, familiarity and timing.
Ultimately, Clemson’s portal approach is unlikely to be about volume. The Tigers don’t need a full overhaul. They need targeted solutions.
If Clemson exits the January window with help in the secondary, one or two depth pieces in the trenches and a quarterback who raises the floor of the roster, the Tigers will have done exactly what they set out to do — adapt without abandoning their identity.
And if that quarterback happens to be Josh Hoover, the path that led him through Indiana and TCU may end up pointing directly to Death Valley.