CLEMSON — Transfer DT Kourtney Kelly made his much-anticipated debut for Clemson over the weekend.

After tearing an ACL early on in spring practice, Kelly suited up for the first time this season in the 37-0 win over Charleston Southern. The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder played just seven snaps, but logged a tackle in his limited action.

“I think playing kind of helped him take another step, just in his mind, just being able to go do it,” Swinney said. “Whether he is physically any better or not, I just think that has helped him go another step.”

Kelly was one of many transfer portal acquisitions for Clemson on the defensive side of the ball this past offseason. He spent his first two college seasons at West Georgia, where he was credited with 17 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and a fumble recovery in 11 games in 2025 after appearing in one game while redshirting in 2024.

The hope is Kelly will become a fixture in the rotation at some point.

“We have two tough practices (Tuesday and Wednesday),” Swinney added. “But he had a smile on his face Sunday when I saw him. Like, he felt good about himself, and he was encouraged. He is just going to get better, so I am glad we got him back.”

Kelly and the Tigers (4-2, 2-1 ACC) return to the field this Saturday when they host Virginia Tech at Memorial Stadium (7 p.m., ESPN).