After signing three players from the NCAA transfer portal last offseason, Clemson has taken a deeper dive into the transfer portal this year, adding 10 players via the portal in the 2026 cycle.

Clemson’s 2026 portal class features just one player on offense – former SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have picked up nine portal commitments on the defensive side of the ball, including five defensive linemen (London Merritt from Colorado; Markus Strong from Oklahoma; Kourtney Kelly from West Georgia; Andy Burburija from Nebraska; CJ Wesley from Howard) and four defensive backs (Donovan Starr from Auburn; Elliot Washington II from Penn State; Jerome Carter from Old Dominion; Corey Myrick from Southern Miss).

Despite Clemson’s increased efforts in the portal, this national outlet apparently isn’t very impressed.

CBS Sports highlighted the biggest winners and losers of the 2026 portal window, and Clemson was pegged as one loser.

Here’s some of what CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer wrote about Clemson’s portal class:

“Dabo Swinney deserves credit for finally jumping into the transfer portal with gusto. Clemson, which had signed just six total transfers since 2018, inked 10 of them this cycle. … My gripe for Clemson is on the offensive side of the ball, nevertheless. Given that Clemson’s offense failed to live up to expectations (62nd nationally in yards per play) this season, you’d think the Tigers would have loaded up there. Instead, Clemson signed one player in running back Chris Johnson. The speedster averaged 7.1 yards per attempt this season at SMU on 67 carries, and will help Clemson’s offense. But the fact Clemson failed to add a quarterback or a single offensive lineman this cycle could result in further regression.

“Clemson ranked 91st nationally in pressure rate allowed and 87th nationally in yards created before contact running the ball. The o-line, as it has been for years, was underwhelming. Perhaps Dabo Swinney is hoping continuity and youth will carry Clemson’s o-line forward. Five starters do return, but not improving that position in the portal seems misguided.

“I’d also question Swinney choosing not to add a starting-caliber quarterback. With Cade Klubnik’s departure, long-time backup Christopher Vizzina is next up. He could be good. Vizzina’s been fine (596 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, 61% completion mark) in limited action the last two years.”

Clemson will open the 2026 season against LSU at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on Sept. 5, and LSU was tabbed by CBS Sports as one of the transfer portal winners.

Florida State and Duke join Clemson as other transfer portal losers, according to CBS Sports. Clemson will travel to play both of those ACC teams during the 2026 regular season.