Dabo Swinney, Clemson Get Bad Transfer Portal News Before Pinstripe Bowl

Barnes is unlikely to play in Clemson’s Pinstripe Bowl showdown with Penn State on Dec. 27. Players who have publicly announced that they intend to enter the transfer portal rarely participate in bowl games.

What to Know About Clemson Safety Khalil Barnes

ESPN and 247Sports both considered Barnes a three-star recruit as an athlete from Bogart, Ga. He immediately burst onto the scene in 2023 and became the first Clemson player to record multiple forced fumbles and multiple interceptions while playing for Swinney, who became Clemson’s coach in 2008.

"Coach Swinney didn’t have to take a chance on me as a small 3-star recruit," Barnes said. "The things I learned every day in those team meetings are lessons I know will help me through my different walks of life. I’m so appreciative for the wisdom and knowledge you gave me."

Although Barnes plans to enter the portal, he can also declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Veteran draft analyst Todd McShay said before the season that he viewed Barnes as a Day 3 prospect.

Although McShay praised Barnes’ "instinctive" nature and his ability to stop the run, he also expressed concerns about Barnes’ coverage skills.

"Good feel for like fighting off blocks, staying involved, staying active," McShay said in August. "Good angles. I thought he did a nice job with leverage. Plays with balance. Stays on his feet. All those kinds of things."

Players who enter the portal can also return to their previous school if the opportunity presents itself. It is unclear whether Barnes would consider playing for Clemson in 2026 or if he intends to move on.

Clemson went 7-5 (4-4 in the ACC) during the regular season, its 15th consecutive winning season. The Tigers have finished under .500 only once under Swinney.