Dabo Swinney defends approach to transfer portal: ‘If we have to use it, we’ll use it’

In the age of player movement through the transfer portal, Dabo Swinney and Clemson have chosen to emphasize consistency. The Tigers have seldom utilized the portal in recent offseasons, although they did bring in three transfers this cycle.

During an appearance on CBS Sports Network, Swinney defended Clemson’s strategy regarding the portal, highlighting the program’s graduation and retention rates in the current era of college football.

Following an ACC title in 2024, Clemson, according to ESPN, leads the nation with over 80% of its production returning this year. The Tigers lost eight players to the portal, and Swinney mentioned he is open to entering the transfer market when necessary, but he prefers to concentrate on developing talent from the high school level.

“There’s a lot of narratives and stuff, but we just focus on what’s best for Clemson,” Swinney said. “We’re a purpose-driven program and for 16 years – this is my 17th year as the head coach here – I lead with conviction. I believe what I believe, and I don’t apologize for that. And I don’t judge other people. The game has changed and things, but as things have evolved here at Clemson, in the last three years – in the craziest time in the history, in my opinion, of college football – we lead the nation in graduation and retention. That’s because of how we put it together on the front end. And we also offer the fewest guys in the country. We’re always dead last in offers.

“Our process is different. We have a process of alignment, as far as how we put it together. We recruit kids that align with our purpose and what we’re about. I’m not against the portal at all. If we have to use it, we’ll use it. I just prefer to be able to get the best high school kids and develop those guys.”