There's not been a more outspoken critic of the new NCAA transfer portal process than Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney. After seeing his team continue to bleed talent in the spring portal opening, the writing has become clear that his days leading the program are numbered, or change must come.
Swinney, 170-43 in 16 years at Clemson, failed to reach 10 wins in 2023 for the first time since 2010. Inconsistent offensive play has plagued the Tigers since Trevor Lawrence jumped to the NFL after the 2020 season, with coaching and talent both to blame.
However, the talent issue has become a glaring problem as NIL and the transfer portal have developed in the last three years. Even though Swinney has a 30-10 record in that span, the Tigers lack the same difference-makers they once had. Only two Tigers were taken before the end of the fourth round in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The lack of high-end talent has plagued Clemson more than the continued loss of stars to the transfer portal. Swinney remarked that the depth issues have hit them harder and blamed tampering more than NIL, but that's not as much the case as he's selling fans. After adding only one transfer player in 2023, he's failed to bring any in this year.
No one will blame Clemson for losing more talent than it can attract due to several potential limitations. However, watching 13 players transfer out and opting against any single addition is a stunning decision for the program. Even if it's to churn the bottom of the roster as the team searches for a gem, Clemson must embrace some transfer additions.
Swinney has watched 3- and 4-stars find greener pastures far too often in the last two years. Offensive tackle Zecharaiah Owens bolted to Colorado, while star safety Andrew Mukuba found a new home at Texas. Cornerback Toriano Pride opted for Missouri as well.
The time is almost too late for Swinney to add significant talent for this coming season. The backfield tandem of QB Cade Klubnik and RB Phil Mafah faces tremendous pressure to lead the offense and overcome a defense that has replaced a significant amount of talent.
If Swinney can't step up this fall, expect the whispers to get louder, as he's already been viewed as someone who could be out at Clemson sooner than later. Time will tell if it's his decision or not.
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