Dabo Swinney Faces Early Transfer Portal Hit at Clemson

Highlights

• Dabo Swinney loses his first player of the season to the portal
• Shelton Lewis uses four-game redshirt to preserve eligibility
• Clemson faces depth concerns ahead of matchup at North Carolina

Clemson’s secondary took an early-season blow this week as third-year defensive back Shelton Lewis informed the staff he is leaving the team.

According to Tiger Illustrated (On3), Lewis will use his four-game redshirt to preserve eligibility and is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it reopens.

Lewis becomes the first Tiger to depart the roster this season, a move that comes just one day after head coach Dabo Swinney discussed the challenges of redshirt transfers.

The timing is significant, as Clemson (1-3, 0-2 ACC) prepares for a road test against North Carolina (2-2, 0-0) this Saturday.

Lewis, a junior from Stockbridge, Ga., played 33 defensive snaps against Syracuse two weeks ago while Misun “Tink” Kelley was sidelined with what was believed to be a concussion.

Outside of that outing, his role was limited: four snaps against Troy, 12 versus Georgia Tech, and special teams duty only in the opener against LSU.

For the season, he registered seven tackles and one pass breakup.

Dabo Swinney Navigates Depth Concerns

Swinney has long been vocal about the transfer portal era, often emphasizing Clemson’s preference for internal development over heavy portal reliance.

But losing Lewis underscores the challenges every program faces with roster turnover.

The Tigers now lose a defensive back who logged 198 snaps in 2024 and flashed potential as a freshman with two interceptions.

While Lewis wasn’t a starter, his absence trims the margin for error in a position group that has already been tested by injuries and inconsistent play.