CLEMSON – Clemson linebacker Kobe McCloud was asked after spring practice Saturday about his reaction to transfer Luke Ferelli leaving the Tigers for Ole Miss in January.  

As another linebacker, Ferelli, last year’s ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, would have provided more competition for McCloud, a rising redshirt junior. The news of his decommitment came in early January, sparking national headlines.

“Man, football is just a sport, competition being competitive I just worry about myself,” McCloud said.  “I trust my ability one-thousand percent so I just never worry about anything going on that I can’t control. I can control Kobe McCloud, so I just put my head down and work.”

Last season, McCloud notched 28 tackles (2.5 for loss), one sack, and five pass breakups across 13 games and one start. In the second game of the 2024 season, the Tampa, Fla., native suffered a season-ending injury.

After a promising start to his redshirt freshman season, McCloud was forced to the sideline.

“Coming off that injury I had in 24, it put me in a different spot mentally,” McCloud said. “It’s different from being on the field. I had to be on the sideline, just taking mental reps. And obviously as a player, that hurt the heart. So, I just put in extra work to get where I’m at now. It feels amazing. It’s just a blessing.”

Now, 18 months after his injury and with Wade Woodaz graduated, McCloud is poised to take on more responsibility as the veteran in the linebackers room under position coach Ben Boulware and defensive coordinator Tom Allen.

With Ferelli deciding to re-enter the transfer portal and head to Ole Miss, his role may be even larger this season. 

“I’m just always mentally prepared for any situation I’m put in,” McCloud said. “That’s what I work for each and every day. So, I feel like it just came natural to me, being out there and making plays for the team. I mean, I just put myself in the best position just to help us.”

Now, with a year under his belt in Allen’s defensive system after he joined the Tigers ahead of last season, McCloud says he is ready to play “anywhere” that his coaches need him to contribute. He will also be a crucial part of guiding underclassmen and transfers ahead of the 2026 season.

Clemson fans can watch McCloud and the Tigers for the first time on March 28, when Clemson hosts its annual Orange and White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.