Clemson Adds LB Ferrelli and CB Washington via Portal

Clemson University has secured two significant additions to its football roster through the NCAA transfer portal, bolstering a defense hit hard by departures following a disappointing 2025 season. Linebacker Luke Ferrelli, the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year from California, committed to the Tigers after a campus visit, while cornerback Elliot Washington II transferred from Penn State to reunite with former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Tom Allen, now at Clemson.

Ferrelli, a redshirt sophomore from San Diego, announced his decision on December 31 via social media, posting, "Tiger Nation, let's roll." The 6-foot-3, 230-pound standout exploded onto the scene in 2025 after redshirting the previous year, starting all 13 games for the Golden Bears and leading all ACC freshmen with 91 tackles. He added five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and two pass breakups, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors and ranking eighth in the conference in total tackles. His coverage grade of 84.6 ranked second among ACC linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus.

One of Ferrelli's highlight moments came in a 28-24 road victory over Boston College on...