It’s official. As expected, Clemson transfer signee Luke Ferrelli is back in the transfer portal.

The linebacker who just won ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year honors after an outstanding debut season at Cal is expected to sign with Ole Miss.

The Clemson Insider reported on Friday that Ferrelli had informed head coach Dabo Swinney of his intention to re-enter the portal. The school then had 48 business hours to submit his paperwork, which has now been processed.

Ferrelli visited Clemson early on in the portal window, then quickly announced a commitment to the Tigers. The school officially announced his addition, and the rising sophomore was enrolled, attending classes and participating in team activities.

However, by Saturday, Ferrelli had turned in his books and his laptop to the school. He was the only linebacker Clemson landed during the portal cycle, and his departure leaves an obvious hole at the position. He was also the Tigers’ highest-rated portal addition.

Ferrelli was the ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2025 after tying for second on his team with 87 tackles, while adding five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception that he returned two yards, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry. He tied for eighth in the ACC in total tackles and tied for ninth in tackles per game (7.3), earning All-ACC honorable mention.

Photo by Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images