Dabo Swinney, Clemson football land ACC defensive rookie of year in transfer portal
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CLEMSON — Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney landed his second transfer portal player for the 2026 roster with the addition of Cal linebacker Luke Ferrelli on Jan. 6.
Ferrelli recorded 91 tackles, including five for loss and one sack, an interception and one pass breakup in 13 games this season. He led all freshmen in tackles (87) and finished second among all ACC freshmen in tackles for loss (five) to win ACC defensive rookie of the year.
Ferrelli committed after visiting Clemson on Jan. 6, then confirmed his decision on social media. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Ferrelli, a San Diego native, spent two seasons with the Golden Bears. He was a three-start recruit out of high school and rated as the No. 108 player in California, per the 247Sports Composite.
247Sports rated him as the No. 35 linebacker in the portal and the No. 540 player nationally.
Ferrelli is Clemson‘s second portal addition, joining cornerback Elliott Washington II, who transferred from Penn State.
Where Luke Ferrelli fits on Clemson football depth chart
Clemson lost starting linebacker Wade Woodaz to expiring eligibility and Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson to the portal. This left a void beside star linebacker Sammy Brown in 2026.
Ferrelli immediately boosts Clemson’s linebacker room, but he is not a guaranteed starter. He will have to compete with Jeremiah Alexander, who transferred to Clemson last season, and Kobe McCloud for the other starting position.
Still, Ferrelli’s addition gives Clemson a rising star linebacker for multiple years if he decides to remain with the Tigers.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football adds Luke Ferrelli, Cal linebacker, in transfer portal
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