Despite his reticence to utilize the transfer portal at Clemson, coach Dabo Swinney seems to be adapting to the new reality in college football. Or at least, he’s trying to.
On Thursday, the Tigers landed their first-ever defensive transfer under coach Dabo Swinney, adding Purdue EDGE defender Will Heldt. Clemson also previously added a commitment from Southeastern Missouri receiver transfer Tristan Smith.
Heldt has appeared in all 24 games in his two-year career with the Boilermakers, becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore in 2024. During his career in West Lafayette, Heldt totaled 68 tackles (11 for loss), five sacks — all of which came this fall — and a fumble recovery.
Swinney’s lack of interest in the portal has been well-documented over the years, but as the CFP-bound, ACC champion Tigers look to return to competing for national titles, it seems he has recognized what it’s going to take to build that kind of roster.