ESPN’s Shocking Pick: Clemson’s Transfer Portal Gem Could Change the Game Completely

The Clemson Tigers have been stirring the pot in the NCAA transfer portal lately, and it’s clear one new roster addition is turning heads – especially over at ESPN. Tom Luginbill, a familiar voice in college football circles, just dropped his list of the 15 best transfer portal pickups for 2026, and guess who snagged the 14th spot? None other than Chris Johnson Jr., the speedy running back fresh off his stint with the SMU Mustangs. Clemson’s offense had been hunting for that electrifying burst of speed at running back, and Johnson’s arrival might just be the jolt they need. With his explosive yards per carry and versatility both on the ground and through the air, expectations are high that new offensive coordinator Chad Morris will put Johnson’s skills front and center this season. It’s a narrative worth following as Clemson gears up to unleash fresh firepower in the ACC. LEARN MORE

The Clemson Tigers have had a busy month in the NCAA transfer portal, and one name in particular has stood out to ESPN.

On Wednesday, veteran ESPN college football voice Tom Luginbill ranked the 15 best transfer portal additions in 2026. The Tigers’ pickup of former SMU Mustangs running back Chris Johnson Jr. was ranked the 14th best addition of all players in the portal.

Luginbill said of Johnson joining the Tigers:

“Johnson is a home run threat and one of the fastest players in college football. Clemson‘s offense lacked a dynamic speedster at running back and struggled to run the ball consistently in 2025, with Adam Randall developing into more of a power runner. Johnson was part of a running back rotation at SMU where he was also a staple in the passing game. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception. His explosive play rate was among the best in college football. New offensive coordinator Chad Morris will highlight Johnson’s versatility, speed and ball skills.”

Johnson finished with 479 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season at SMU. In the Mustangs’ 35-24 win over the Tigers in Death Valley on Nov. 18, Johnson averaged almost 10 yards per carry (9.8), running for 59 yards and a touchdown on six carries. He also had four catches for 40 yards in a 99-yard all-purpose performance.

Johnson, who is no relation to former NFL running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, ran for a season-high 128 yards in SMU’s 38-35 loss to California on Nov. 29 in Berkeley as the Mustangs wrapped an 8-4 season, one year after reaching the College Football Playoff as an at-large seed.

Clemson will be Johnson’s third team — all in the ACC — in as many seasons. He joined SMU from the Miami Hurricanes ahead of 2025 and in three seasons, the 6-foot, 185-pound tailback has rushed for 583 yards (6.9 AVG) and five touchdowns on 84 carries.

Johnson was 26th in the ACC in rushing yards last season while Clemson’s Adam Randall, who converted to tailback from wide receiver, finished ninth in the conference with 814 (4.8) on 168 carries in 13 games.

Clemson will open the 2026 season against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on Sept. 5. LSU’s addition of former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt in the transfer portal was ranked the third-best pickup by Luginbill, who said:

“Leavitt is Lane Kiffin’s most high-profile portal addition, and the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year will immediately invite comparisons to Trinidad Chambliss and Jaxson Dart, who thrived as dual threats under Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Leavitt is not as natural of a passer as either Chambliss or Dart. Instead, he’s more of a sandlot-style quarterback with incredible instincts and dynamic running ability in an open spread scheme who is among the best in college football at keeping plays alive. With a live arm and plenty of athleticism, look for LSU to deploy Leavitt much like Ole Miss did with Chambliss once he took over in 2025.”

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson football transfer portal addition one of the best, ESPN says