ESPN ranked the teams that found the best fits in the transfer portal, which opened Jan. 2 and closes Jan. 16.

Clemson landed a commitment from SMU transfer running back Chris Johnson Jr. on Jan. 11, and he is ranked by ESPN at No. 14 among “the 15 best portal additions based on providing the greatest fit and value to their new programs.”

Johnson marked Clemson’s first portal addition for offense in the 2026 portal cycle. One of the fastest backs in the nation, Johnson adds an interesting dynamic to a running back room that already features rising sophomore Gideon Davidson.

Johnson rushed for 479 yards and four touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore with the Mustangs in 2025, averaging more than 7 yards per carry. He also had 17 catches for another 180 yards and a score.

Here’s what ESPN’s Tom Luginbill wrote about Clemson’s portal addition of the 6-foot, 184-pound Johnson:

“Johnson is a home run threat and one of the fastest players in college football. Clemson’s offense lacked a dynamic speedster at running back and struggled to run the ball consistently in 2025, with Adam Randall developing into more of a power runner. Johnson was part of a running back rotation at SMU where he was also a staple in the passing game. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception. His explosive play rate was among the best in college football. New offensive coordinator Chad Morris will highlight Johnson’s versatility, speed and ball skills.”

Other players that made ESPN’s ranking of the best fits in the portal include quarterback Sam Leavitt (Arizona State to LSU) at No. 3 and offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak (NC State to South Carolina) at No. 7.

Of course, Clemson will open the 2026 season at LSU on Sept. 5 and will host South Carolina on Nov. 28.

Clemson was also recently ranked by ESPN among the hottest transfer portal teams midway through the portal window.

–Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron-Imagn Images