Monarch Ball Hawk Flies Into Death Valley
Clemson’s defensive overhaul continues as Old Dominion standout safety Jerome Carter III arrives on campus Monday. The All-Conference ball hawk, fresh off a season with 75 tackles, six interceptions and two pass breakups, joins four other transfer prospects—including OT Johnnie Brown III and DT Kourtney Kelly—for a critical recruiting visit. With two years of eligibility left, Carter hopes to fill the void left by departing starters Khalil Barnes and Ricardo Jones and bolster a Tigers secondary in desperate need of proven playmakers.
Behold the transfer portal Mardi Gras, where Dabo Swinney hosts more visitors than a Tampa Bay Airbnb. Apparently, one All-Conference safety isn’t enough; you need a safety conga line just to patch the holes in your backfield. And while Dad’s storied FSU legacy looms large, Clemson’s real family business seems to be mass-acquiring former FBS heroes like they’re Pokémon cards. Keep an eye on that portal tracker—it’s about to replace the roster entirely.
Penn State DB Joins Tigers, Swinney’s Transfer Frenzy Kicks Off
Clemson lands its first 2026 portal pledge as Penn State cornerback Elliot Washington II commits for his final season of eligibility. Reuniting with ex-DC Tom Allen, Washington brings a résumé of 53 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions over three years with the Nittany Lions. The Venice, Florida native will vie for a starting slot opposite Ashton Hampton or Corian Gipson, aiming to resurrect a once-ferocious Clemson secondary now depleted by NFL draftees and portal departures.
Cue the portal picking party: Clemson’s first RSVP to the offseason recruitment gala is a familiar face from Happy Valley. Dabo’s dialing up old coaching buddies like they’re on speed dial, convincing them to send over their best underused defensive backs for a one-year trial run in Death Valley. It’s the ultimate speed-dating season—swipe right on every cornerback with a pulse and hope someone sticks around past spring practice.
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