Top 3 Tigers departures during the winter window, including Tre Williams, on the Clemson Transfer Portal

Top 3 Tigers Departures During the Winter Window, Including Tre Williams, on the Clemson Transfer Portal

The college football offseason is a time of change and uncertainty for many programs, and this year’s winter transfer portal has proven to be no different for the Clemson Tigers. As the Tigers look to build upon their strong foundation for the 2025 season, they have also seen some key players depart, opening new opportunities for others to step up. With the advent of the NIL era and the growing influence of the transfer portal, college football rosters are constantly evolving, and Clemson has been no exception to this trend.

Among the most significant departures from Clemson’s roster during the winter transfer portal window is Tre Williams, a standout linebacker who made a considerable impact during his time in Death Valley. However, Williams isn’t the only key player to leave the Tigers; a few other prominent players have also entered the portal, leaving Clemson fans and coaches alike wondering how these changes will affect the program moving forward.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Tre Williams and two other important Tigers players who have left the program through the transfer portal during the 2024-2025 offseason. We’ll explore their contributions to Clemson, their reasons for departing, and what their departures mean for the team as they prepare for the future.

1. Tre Williams: The Linebacker Who Left a Mark

Perhaps the most significant departure for the Tigers during the winter transfer portal window is Tre Williams, a linebacker who was widely regarded as one of the top defensive players on the team. Williams’ decision to leave Clemson has created ripples within the program, as his physicality, leadership, and playmaking ability will be tough to replace.

Williams’ Impact at Clemson

When Tre Williams arrived at Clemson, he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic linebacker with excellent speed and tackling ability. His natural instincts and on-field awareness helped him make immediate contributions, and by his final season with the Tigers, he was one of the most reliable and versatile players on the defense. Williams was known for his ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and cover in pass situations—all qualities that make a linebacker highly coveted at the next level.

During his time at Clemson, Williams was consistently a top performer for the Tigers. He played a critical role in Clemson’s defensive success, contributing both as a run stopper and a pass rusher. In 2024, Williams’ ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield made him a key cog in Clemson’s defensive scheme, allowing the team to compete at the highest level in the ACC. His leadership on the field was also evident, with many of his teammates looking to him for guidance both in game situations and during practices.

Reasons for Departure

Williams’ decision to leave Clemson was not an easy one. While he had certainly established himself as a key player for the Tigers, there were several factors that likely influenced his decision to enter the transfer portal.

First, Williams may have been looking for an opportunity to compete at a higher level, especially as he prepares for a potential career in the NFL. Despite Clemson’s strong reputation as a college football powerhouse, Williams may have felt that a change of scenery would allow him to gain more exposure and potentially improve his draft stock. Programs in need of a player with his skillset and experience will certainly be watching closely, and Williams’ name in the portal has drawn significant attention from top-tier programs.

Another potential reason for Williams’ departure could be related to Clemson’s roster changes and the coaching staff’s evolving defensive philosophy. While head coach Dabo Swinney and defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin have consistently fielded competitive teams, changes in schemes or the arrival of new talent could have contributed to Williams’ decision to leave. It’s possible that Williams was seeking a program where he could fit more seamlessly into a defensive system that aligns with his strengths.

What Williams’ Departure Means for Clemson

Losing a player of Williams’ caliber leaves a void in the Clemson defense. The Tigers will now need to find someone who can step into the linebacker position and fill the leadership, athleticism, and playmaking role that Williams provided. Fortunately, Clemson has a history of developing talented linebackers, and there are several young players on the roster who could potentially step up in Williams’ absence.

However, this departure also highlights the need for Clemson to continue recruiting and developing depth at linebacker, as the Tigers have long relied on a strong and physical defense to compete at the highest level. Clemson’s coaches will need to assess the position closely in spring practices to identify the next players who can take on bigger roles in 2025.

2. QB Hunter Johnson: Searching for a Fresh Start

Another important player to enter the transfer portal during the winter window is Hunter Johnson, the quarterback who initially committed to Clemson and later transferred back to the program after a brief stint at Northwestern. Johnson had hoped to revitalize his college career under Dabo Swinney’s leadership, but his decision to leave the program this offseason suggests that his time at Clemson didn’t unfold as expected.

Johnson’s Time at Clemson

Hunter Johnson’s career at Clemson has been anything but straightforward. Originally a highly touted quarterback recruit, Johnson enrolled at Clemson in 2017, but the emergence of Trevor Lawrence quickly overshadowed his opportunities to see significant playing time. After spending several years as a backup quarterback, Johnson transferred to Northwestern to earn a starting role, where he showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency.

In 2021, after transferring back to Clemson, Johnson found himself in a similar situation, where the starting job was held by DJ Uiagalelei and later Cade Klubnik. While he provided depth at the position, Johnson was never able to secure a significant role under center. Despite his vast experience, Johnson wasn’t able to supplant the younger quarterbacks on the roster.

Reasons for Departure

Hunter Johnson’s decision to enter the transfer portal is likely driven by a desire for more playing time and a fresh start. As a fifth-year senior, Johnson still had eligibility remaining, but his chances of becoming the starting quarterback at Clemson were slim given the rising talent of Klubnik, who was expected to take the reins in 2025. With Cade Klubnik looking poised to be the future of Clemson football, Johnson may have realized that his best opportunity to play regularly would be elsewhere.

Johnson’s departure is also indicative of the challenges that quarterbacks face in a highly competitive program like Clemson. With so much talent at the position, it can be difficult for backup players to find consistent opportunities for playing time, especially when highly recruited players are coming up behind them.

What Johnson’s Departure Means for Clemson

While Johnson’s departure may not significantly impact the overall strength of the Tigers in 2025, it does highlight the ongoing quarterback competition that will play out in the coming seasons. Cade Klubnik is expected to be the future of Clemson football, and Johnson’s exit clears the way for him to continue developing into the team’s leader.

For Clemson, Johnson’s departure could provide an opportunity for the team to bring in additional quarterbacks via the transfer portal or to allow younger players to gain more experience in practice and future games. While the quarterback position is set for the next few years, Clemson will need to ensure that they continue to develop depth and prepare the next generation of leaders.

3. WR Joseph Ngata: A Deep Threat Gone

Another significant departure for Clemson in the winter transfer portal is Joseph Ngata, a talented wide receiver who was one of the most explosive playmakers on the team. Ngata’s decision to leave the Tigers adds to the list of key departures, but his absence will be felt especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Ngata’s Time at Clemson

Ngata was one of the most electrifying wide receivers in recent years for Clemson, known for his ability to stretch the field and make acrobatic catches in critical situations. While his career was marked by some inconsistencies, Ngata’s big-play potential was undeniable. Over his time at Clemson, Ngata had several memorable moments, including game-winning touchdowns and jaw-dropping catches in high-profile matchups.

Despite his potential, Ngata’s time at Clemson was also marked by injuries and competition for playing time. The presence of talented receivers such as Justin Ross and Frank Ladson Jr. may have limited Ngata’s ability to consistently contribute in the Tigers’ offense, and he found himself vying for snaps with a deep and talented receiving corps.

Reasons for Departure

Ngata’s departure is likely driven by a desire for a larger role in an offense that could better showcase his skills. As Clemson transitions to Cade Klubnik at quarterback and retools its offense, Ngata may have felt that his opportunities for a significant role were limited. The growing depth at receiver and changes to the offensive philosophy under Brandon Streeter may have prompted Ngata to seek a new environment where he could potentially see more consistent playing time and have a more prominent role in the offense.

What Ngata’s Departure Means for Clemson

Ngata’s departure leaves a hole in the receiving corps that Clemson will need to fill. The Tigers have several talented wide receivers on the roster, including Antonio Williams and Beaux Collins, but Ngata’s big-play ability will be missed. Clemson will need to rely on its young talent to step up and provide that explosive element in the passing game.

For Clemson, Ngata’s exit presents an opportunity for younger receivers to emerge and take on bigger roles in the offense. The Tigers have a strong track record of developing wide receivers, and this departure could pave the way for new stars to rise.