Twelve months ago, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney faced mounting criticism following a disappointing 4-4 start to the 2023 season. Fans and analysts questioned Swinney’s commitment to adapting, particularly his refusal to engage with the transfer portal. His loyalty to a long-standing coaching staff and reluctance to embrace changes in college football left many doubting his ability to maintain Clemson’s elite status.
Despite being the only non-service academy school to stay out of the portal, Swinney remained steadfast, facing accusations of being out of touch with the evolving game.
Dabo Swinney Uses Cade Klubnik’s Rise To Call Out the Critics
After Clemson’s spring game, Dabo Swinney reaffirmed his stance on the transfer portal, standing firm despite past criticisms. While Clemson added three transfers this offseason—its most in a six-year period—the Tigers remain selective.
Swinney’s cautious approach has drawn heat, especially after Clemson became one of only four FBS schools not to sign a player from the portal following the 2023 season. Nevertheless, Swinney remains unshaken.
“Last year, everybody said, ‘I need to get rid of Cade Klubnik,’ ‘We’re never going to win with Cade Klubnik,’ ‘He’s terrible,’ ‘Swinney’s crazy’ and ‘Go get this hot-shot quarterback,'” Swinney remarked. “Now, everybody says he’s the front-runner for the Heisman. It’s amazing.”
He further emphasized to his quarterback, “I told Cade, ‘Better not listen to none of that. Don’t listen to all that crap last year that you ain’t good enough to get it done, and don’t listen to when they tell you you’re the Heisman guy, or you’re the whatever.’ Just do the work.”
Swinney’s approach has focused on high school recruiting first, with the portal being a secondary option for specific needs. This offseason, Clemson had limited flexibility in the portal, as it retained all eligible starters from the end of the 2023 season. However, the Tigers sought reinforcements to address key positions.
Two transfers impressed during the spring game. Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Tristan Smith, who joined after two Tigers receivers left, caught five passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. Alabama linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, another transfer, led the defense with seven tackles.
Clemson tapped into the portal to replace departing players. They signed Smith after the loss of two wide receivers, Alexander following a change in plans, and Purdue’s Will Heldt after a series of injuries and departures from the defensive line.
“If you get a gap in your roster and you have kids leave post-spring, we’ll use the portal,” Swinney explained.
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Clemson’s retention rate has been a highlight, with just five players leaving via the portal in the winter. Last year, only two players departed during the spring portal cycle.
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