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Today, we continue our series, taking a look at the transfers that could make an impact on Clemson’s Power Four matchups this season.
Check out the first article in the series focusing on the LSU Tigers here: Clemson vs LSU: A Look at Arguably the Nation’s No. 1 Transfer Class
GEORGIA TECH
When Clemson travels to Atlanta on Sept. 13 for a noon matchup, it won’t face the same Georgia Tech squad from last season. Head coach Brent Key and the Yellow Jackets aggressively hit the transfer portal this offseason, adding 24 players to retool a roster that finished 7-6 in 2024.
The Jackets secured the nation’s No. 35 portal haul per 247Sports, though On3 slots them at No. 63 overall.
One of the most intriguing additions is former Clemson defensive end A.J. Hoffler, a native of the Atlanta area who returns home after two years in a Tigers uniform. A four-star recruit in the 2023 class, Hoffler was credited with 17 tackles (1.5 for loss) and two pass breakups from 2023-24.
Let’s break down other key additions looking to make an immediate impact when the teams open conference play and clash for the 90th time.
Offensive Line & Skill Position:
Malachi Carney (OT, South Alabama), the redshirt junior started all 13 games at right tackle last season.
William Reed (OT, Princeton), started 19 games the past two seasons.
Malachi Hosley (RB, Penn), last season, he ran for 1,192 yards with nine touchdowns and 723 yards with seven touchdowns in 2023. The junior averaged over six yards per carry both seasons.
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Dean Patterson (WR, FIU), had 50 receptions, 685 yards, and seven touchdowns last season.
Eric Rivers (WR, FIU), recorded 94 receptions for 1,542 yards and 14 touchdowns in 23 games over two seasons, including 62 receptions for 1,162 yards (18.9 avg.) and 12 touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2024.
Rahkeem Smith (WR, Bowling Green), had 25 receptions, 349 yards, three receiving touchdowns, and three rushing touchdowns in one season at Bowling Green. He also played two seasons at Delaware State where he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and had a personal record of 10.36 seconds in the 100-meter dash as a sprinter.
Defensive Line & Linebackers:
Matthew Alexander (DL, UCF), the redshirt senior made 35 tackles (4 TFLs) in 2024.
Brayden Manley (DE, Mercer), the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year led the conference in sacks (9.5) and added 38 tackles and 10 quarterback hurries. The rising junior amassed 14.5 sacks in two seasons.
Ronald Triplette (DE, Texas-San Antonio), tallied 23 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles last season.
Cayman Spaulding (LB, Tennessee Tech), the junior's sophomore stats were 66 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, three sacks, and an interception.
Secondary & Special Teams:
Jon Mitchell (CB, Penn State), former No. 9 cornerback in the 2024 class, according to On3.
Kelvin Hill Jr. (CB, UAB), as a freshman in 2024, was credited with 42 tackles and five pass deflections.
Daiquan White (CB, Eastern Michigan), EMU's 2023 Newcomer of the Year has 49 career tackles and 18 pass deflections in two seasons.
Marshall Nichols (P, UNLV), averaged 44.3 yards per punt in 2024 and 47.1(second-best in UNLV history, behind only Randall Cunningham’s 47.5) in 2023.
More notable additions:
Akelo Stone (DL, Ole Miss)
Melvin Jordan IV (LB, Oregon State)
Andrew Rosinski (OL, UNC)
J.T. Byrne (TE, California)
Harry Lodge (TE, Wake Forest)
Debron Gatling (WR, South Carolina)
