It took one practice for some of the transfers to start making their mark on the Clemson defense.

The Tigers added nine portal players on the defensive side of the ball, with every position but linebacker getting an influx of talent.

While the first day might have seen some of those guys acclimating to practice habits at a new school, redshirt sophomore defensive end Darien Mayo believes the defense got off to a good start in it second spring under Tom Allen.

“The defense was flying around today,” Mayo said. “We were doing a great job just focusing on the little things. In the second year, we are going to be more savvy and know what to do. It was a great day for sure, just got to keep stacking them.”

In Mayo’s room, London Merritt and CJ Wesley are the new portal additions. Merritt came over from Colorado after a stellar freshman campaign with the Buffaloes, while Wesley was more of an under-the-radar guy out of Howard.

“They work hard, London especially,” Mayo said. “He’s a new guy. Game experience with Colorado. So he is doing great. CJ too.”

However, the transfer that made the biggest splash was cornerback Elliot Washington II, who is expected to be a key cog on the backend of the defense. Washington comes over from Penn State, where he spent the 2024 season playing under Allen, and he wasted no time in making his presence felt.

“Elliot went crazy today,” Mayo added. “That was my favorite first thing I saw. He had like two picks today. He did great.”

Overall, it was a solid first day, but it’s just one step for a defense that is aiming for more consistency in 2026. The Tigers finished last season ranked 31st in scoring defense, No. 55 in total defense and No. 118 in pass defense. All areas in which those transfers are expected to help produce better results.

“Everybody is stepping up,” Mayo said. “We got a lot of new pieces coming in on the defense. D-line, secondary.”