Although Clemson still relies heavily on high school recruiting, the portal has become more important in 2025.

The landscape of college football recruiting has undergone significant changes over the past few years, particularly with the rise of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. For decades, Clemson Tigers football has built its program largely through high school recruiting, with head coach Dabo Swinney emphasizing the importance of developing talent from the ground up. However, as the college football ecosystem continues to evolve, it has become clear that the transfer portal is now playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping rosters, even for traditionally high school-centric programs like Clemson.

In 2025, the dynamics of college football recruiting are shifting even further, and while Clemson still holds its commitment to high school recruits, it’s undeniable that the transfer portal has become a crucial tool for building a championship-caliber team. This article explores how the Clemson Tigers are adapting to this new reality, balancing their traditional recruiting model with the opportunities presented by the transfer portal, and why this evolution could have a lasting impact on the program’s future.

Clemson’s Traditional Focus on High School Recruiting

Clemson football has long been known for its emphasis on high school recruiting. Under Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have cultivated a program that relies on developing talent from within, prioritizing long-term growth and fostering a family-oriented culture. This strategy has served the program well, leading to multiple ACC championships and a national title in 2016, as well as consistent appearances in major bowl games and the College Football Playoff.

One of the cornerstones of Clemson’s approach to recruiting has been its ability to identify and develop players who might not have been top-tier recruits out of high school but who possess high potential. Swinney has always believed in building from the ground up, focusing on players who can be molded into elite athletes through development in the Tigers’ renowned strength and conditioning programs. This philosophy has helped the Tigers maintain a competitive edge over the years, as they have consistently produced NFL-caliber talent, especially on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Additionally, Clemson’s recruiting strategy has always focused on relationships. Swinney and his staff prioritize building strong, lasting connections with recruits and their families, creating a welcoming environment that makes Clemson feel like home. The program’s culture of success, strong academic reputation, and consistent on-field success have made it an attractive destination for top high school recruits.

Despite this strong foundation built on high school recruiting, the ever-changing landscape of college football has forced Clemson to evolve its approach. The transfer portal is reshaping the recruiting world, and even a program as successful as Clemson can’t afford to ignore the growing importance of this new recruiting avenue.

The Rise of the Transfer Portal in College Football

Since the NCAA Transfer Portal was implemented in 2018, it has completely transformed the way college football teams approach roster building. The portal provides a mechanism for players to transfer between schools without facing the usual restrictions on eligibility, which has allowed players to move more freely than ever before.

Initially, many programs—including Clemson—were hesitant to fully embrace the transfer portal. The idea of taking players who had already been developed by other programs didn’t necessarily fit with Swinney’s long-held belief in homegrown talent. However, over time, it became clear that the transfer portal could be a powerful tool for teams looking to fill gaps in their roster quickly, especially at positions where depth was lacking or where immediate contributions were needed.

The portal has become particularly important for position groups where player development may take longer or where roster needs change more frequently. For example, quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive backs—positions that often require instant impact—have become positions where the portal is heavily utilized. Players who might have been stuck behind another star at their previous school can now transfer to a new program and make an immediate impact. The reality is that while high school recruiting remains the backbone of successful college programs, the transfer portal provides a valuable opportunity to enhance rosters quickly, fill immediate needs, and add experience.

For Clemson, the rise of the portal has led to a more balanced approach to recruiting. While Swinney and his staff continue to build a program based on high school players, they have also become more active in utilizing the portal to complement their roster. This allows them to stay competitive in a college football world where other programs are increasingly relying on the portal to acquire established talent.

Clemson’s Use of the Transfer Portal in 2025

By 2025, Clemson’s reliance on the transfer portal is a more strategic and measured part of their recruiting process. While they still prioritize developing players from high school, the Tigers have made it clear that they recognize the importance of supplementing their roster through the portal when necessary. Swinney has adapted his recruiting strategy to ensure that Clemson remains competitive at the highest level.

The Tigers’ use of the portal in 2025 is not about overhauling their team through large-scale transfers; rather, it is about filling specific needs and adding depth to certain position groups. Clemson has been particularly active in pursuing players who can make an immediate impact in areas where they might have depth concerns. This could include positions such as wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back, where the ability to bring in an experienced player can help boost the team’s chances of success.

For example, Clemson could look to the portal to add an experienced wide receiver to complement their talented, but often young, receiving corps. A player who has already proven himself at the collegiate level can provide immediate leadership and help provide a reliable target for Cade Klubnik, Clemson’s young and promising quarterback. Similarly, if the Tigers face depth issues on the offensive line, the portal might provide an opportunity to bring in a veteran lineman who can start right away and shore up the trenches.

One notable aspect of Clemson’s use of the portal in 2025 is the position of quarterback. With Klubnik as the starter, Clemson may not necessarily need to go after a high-profile transfer quarterback, but if the Tigers need a capable backup or a player with experience in certain offensive systems, the portal could become an attractive option. This is especially true considering the increasing trend of high-profile quarterbacks entering the portal looking for starting opportunities, and programs like Clemson could benefit from the influx of talent.

Clemson has also shown that they can target portal players who fit within the team’s culture. Unlike some programs that bring in players based solely on talent, Clemson’s coaching staff remains committed to maintaining a strong locker room culture, even when bringing in transfer players. For example, players who transfer to Clemson often share the Tigers’ values of work ethic, team-first mentality, and dedication to academics, which helps maintain continuity within the program. Clemson’s willingness to vet transfers not only for talent but for character and fit within the team’s culture has allowed them to seamlessly integrate portal players without disrupting team chemistry.

Key Positions for Clemson’s Transfer Portal Strategy

As the transfer portal continues to play an increasingly important role for Clemson in 2025, certain positions will become focal points for adding depth and experience. Here are a few key areas where the Tigers may look to the portal to enhance their roster:

1. Wide Receiver

Wide receiver has been a position where Clemson has historically thrived, but in recent years, there have been times when they’ve struggled with consistency at the position. While Antonio Williams and others have shown promise, Clemson might look to the portal to add a veteran receiver who can step in immediately and make an impact, especially in critical games. This would be particularly beneficial for Klubnik, as having an experienced target could help with both production and leadership in the receiving corps.

2. Offensive Line

The offensive line is a critical area of focus for any successful college football program. While Clemson has developed talented linemen over the years, the Tigers might look to the transfer portal to add experience and depth to the line, particularly if they lose key players to the NFL draft or graduation. Bringing in a proven offensive lineman can help provide stability and continuity on a unit that is integral to the success of the offense.

3. Defensive Back

Clemson’s defense has always been one of its strongest assets, but as the Tigers enter 2025, they may look to the portal for help in the secondary. With players leaving for the NFL and new recruits entering the program, adding experienced defensive backs through the portal could help maintain the defensive dominance Clemson is known for. A cornerback or safety with experience at the collegiate level could provide leadership and depth in the backfield.