Clemson's Defense in the Crosshairs: Linebackers to Watch in the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal is about to open, and with it comes a flurry of activity as teams look to bolster their rosters. For Clemson, this means an opportunity to address key needs, particularly on defense. But with the loss of players like Dee Crayton, Jamal Anderson, and Wade Woodaz, the linebacker position is one area where the Tigers could be especially active. Let's dive into some potential candidates Clemson might be eyeing.
First up is Luke Ferrelli from Cal, who recently announced his intention to enter the portal. After redshirting in 2024, Ferrelli exploded onto the scene in 2025, earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors and All-ACC recognition. He racked up 91 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections in 13 games. A true difference-maker, indeed!
Next, we have Owen Long from Colorado State. Long led all of college football with a staggering 151 tackles this season! He also added 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 5 pass deflections. Long had double-digit tackles in 10 of 12 games and earned a first-team All-MWC selection. The exciting part? He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Then there's Rasheem Biles, formerly of Pitt, a two-time All-ACC honoree. He's coming off a career-best performance in the Military Bowl, with 16 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and a touchdown. In 10 games this season, Biles recorded 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 3 touchdowns.
Keon Wylie from Penn State is another player to watch. He has two years of eligibility left. This year, he had 28 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection in 13 games. Over his career, he has 47 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Virginia Tech, with their new head coach, could also be in play.
Oumar Diomande from UConn is also a potential candidate. In his first full year as a starter, he recorded 111 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 1 pass deflection. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
And let's not forget Gideon “ESPN” Lampron from Bowling Green, who earned All-MAC honors after a breakout junior season with 119 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass deflection.
CJ Young from Kent State is another name to know. He finished with a team-best 89 tackles in 11 games and was second-team All-MAC in 2025.
Jon Jon Kamara from Kansas is worth monitoring. The redshirt freshman appeared in 12 games in 2025, finishing with 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Finally, Filip Maciorowski from NIU, a redshirt sophomore, registered 87 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
The transfer portal opens on Friday and runs through January 16.
But here's where it gets controversial... With so many talented linebackers available, how will Clemson prioritize its targets? Who do you think would be the best fit for the Tigers' defense? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
