Clemson’s transfer portal run looks chaotic if you’re reacting day to day — but when you zoom out, a clear strategy emerges.

In this episode, we break down:

Why Clemson’s portal class started almost entirely on defense

Why defensive tackle is the hardest position to fix in college football

What missing on certain targets really means

How one offensive addition changed the entire tone of this portal cycle

This isn’t a panic reaction or blind optimism — it’s a full explanation of the plan Clemson is executing and why it looks the way it does.

If you’ve been asking “what is Clemson actually doing?” — this show is for you.

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Clemson Tigers shake up their offensive identity with the surprise addition of speedster Chris Johnson Jr.—can his explosive playmaking revitalize the attack in 2026? Host Morgan Thomas dissects the implications of this key transfer, the previously overlooked need for offensive upgrades, and why Johnson’s game-changing speed could restore the fear factor that recently disappeared from Clemson’s playbook. Is the Tigers’ streak of predictable offense finally over?

The conversation spotlights the impact of Chad Morris’s return, shifts in coaching dynamics, and the trust being placed in quarterback Christopher Vizzina. Key topics include the urgency to fix the offensive line, Matt Luke’s high-stakes recruiting, the changing approach to the transfer portal, and the importance of building a run-driven, explosive offense. Morgan Thomas challenges listeners to consider whether Clemson is now equipped to reclaim ACC dominance or if new risks will define their future.

00:00 "Clemson's Defensive Transformation Focus"
06:43 Clemson’s Diminished Intimidation Factor
08:01 Scary Speed Changes Defense Dynamics
11:46 "Chad Morris' Impact at Clemson"
17:16 Clemson Football: Talent and Speed
20:31 "Wayfair: Home Refresh Made Easy"
24:02 "Building a Balanced Running Game"
27:13 Clemson’s Offense Faces Key Questions
28:33 "Clemson's Risky Path to Revival"

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Gametime
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Wayfair
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Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel
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Clemson Tigers fans are frustrated—South Carolina lands top offensive lineman Emmanuel Poku, while Clemson prioritizes defense in the transfer portal. Is Dabo Swinney’s gamble on continuity and patience for the offensive line putting Clemson’s playoff hopes at risk?

Morgan Thomas highlights eight new defensive additions, the strategic focus on strengthening speed and physicality, and the arrival of London Merritt as a key defensive end. The podcast breaks down Clemson’s calculated roster strategy, Matt Luke’s evolving offensive line, and whether Christopher Vezina can deliver nine or ten wins with the right supporting cast. Portal recruiting battles, EDGE targets from the SEC, and fan expectations for championship glory all take center stage. Will Dabo’s selective approach propel the Tigers back into ACC dominance—or leave them vulnerable to rivals?

00:00 "After Dark Sports Talk"
03:36 "Dabo's Portal Strategy Questioned"
08:50 Clemson's Recruitment Strategy Explained
13:24 Clemson's Defensive Rebuild Strategy
15:35 "Building Defense Around Christopher Vezina"
18:54 "Clemson's Market Shift & Playoffs"
22:00 Clemson Targets Defensive End Talent
25:06 Clemson's Strategic Portal Approach
28:20 "Locked On College Football"

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Clemson Tigers take command of the transfer portal, rapidly rebuilding their football roster with eight defensive standouts—including Luke Forelli, Elliot Washington II, Jerome Carter II, and London Merritt. Are Dabo Swinney and new defensive coordinator Tom Allen orchestrating a return to national prominence? Morgan Thomas spotlights Clemson’s aggressive strategy, why momentum in the portal is no accident, and how calculated moves are filling critical gaps left by offseason departures.

The episode also breaks down Clemson Basketball’s statement win over a ranked SMU squad, fueled by Brad Brownell’s suffocating defense and deep, balanced scoring. With basketball surging and football reloading, Morgan Thomas argues that both programs are moving forward—not just holding ground. Can Clemson’s revamped roster and evolving culture deliver results this season and beyond? Don’t miss this high-energy analysis of the Tigers’ trajectory across the gridiron and hardwood.

00:00 "Clemson's Transfer Portal Momentum"
03:07 Clemson's Urgent Portal Rebuild
07:55 "Clemson's Future Football Focus"
10:03 "Rocket Money: Simplify Finances"
15:52 "Clemson's Roster Strategy Shift"
16:38 Clemson's Secondary Overhaul Highlights Need
20:47 "Pursuing Passion and Gratitude"
26:40 "Clemson Sports Momentum Update"
27:58 "Locked On Clemson Promo"

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Miami Hurricanes clash with Ole Miss Rebels in a Fiesta Bowl semifinal, with Carson Beck and Mark Fletcher aiming to power Miami’s dynamic offense against a high-octane Ole Miss led by Trinidad Chambliss. Can Miami’s elite run defense and pass rush contain Ole Miss’s improvisational playmakers to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff final?

Alex Donno leads rapid-fire analysis on Miami’s game plan, injury updates, and defensive keys. The panel debates Miami’s physicality, Carson Beck’s NFL draft prospects, and pivotal moments that could define the outcome. Breaking news on the ACC transfer portal spotlights Ashton Daniels’ move to Florida State, Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator shake-up, and crucial in-conference departures. Get expert predictions, recruiting scoops, and insider perspectives on Miami’s championship hopes and the shifting ACC football landscape.

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Clemson Tigers reshape their defense with decisive transfer portal moves while skeptics question the absence of a quarterback addition. Are Dabo Swinney and Tom Allen’s aggressive recruiting strategies enough to spark a return to dominance?

Morgan Thomas breaks down Clemson’s early portal wins, spotlighting the impact of landing ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year Luke Forelli, Penn State’s Elliot Washington, and Old Dominion’s Jerome Carter. Key discussion points include the Tigers’ renewed focus on speed, aggression, and defensive versatility—plus why prioritizing roster depth over chasing a star QB may be the smartest play this offseason. Can Clemson’s calculated approach transform defensive woes into championship contention, or does skipping a portal quarterback set a hard ceiling on playoff hopes? Don’t miss this pulse-check on Clemson’s future trajectory.

00:00 Clemson Rebuilds with Transfer Portal
04:22 Clemson's Transfer Portal Strategy
09:06 "Clemson Rebuilding Aggressive Defense"
13:11 Ashton Hampton: Team Leader
17:03 Dabo's Trust in His Team
20:12 "Rugiat: Confidence in Moments"
23:17 "Building the Defense Over QB"
23:31 "Clemson's Rebuild Strategy Explained"
28:02 "Choose Balance Over One Superstar"
31:11 "Join Locked On Clemson Club"

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Clemson Tigers double down on Christopher Vizzina as their quarterback, leaving fans and insiders questioning Dabo Swinney’s high-stakes loyalty play. With the transfer portal buzzing and contenders reloading at QB, Dabo’s refusal to pursue outside talent puts all eyes on Vezina—does Clemson have the firepower to contend, or is the program risking a major setback?

Morgan Thomas breaks down the Tigers’ offseason moves, spotlighting concerns about limited quarterback experience and the risks of prioritizing roster stability over competition. The analysis covers Clemson’s urgent focus on rebuilding the defensive front, the strategic addition of Chad Morris to steady the offense, and uncertainty around depth in the QB room. Key topics feature the implications for Dabo Swinney’s legacy, pressure on staff and boosters, and whether this calculated gamble will deliver ACC dominance—or spark a total reboot for Clemson football.

00:00 "Clemson's Quarterback Decision Spotlight"
06:04 Clemson's QB Concerns Analyzed
08:06 "Christopher Vizzina's Unproven Potential"
12:16 Clemson QB Concerns and Updates
13:40 "Potential vs. Performance Uncertainty"
17:56 "Clemson's Struggles and QB Concerns"
20:16 "Clemson's Current Struggles Analyzed"
25:24 "Prioritize Calm, Secure Easy Wins"
29:58 "Clemson's Uphill Battle Ahead"
30:59 "Clemson Football & Transfer Portal".

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Rugiet
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Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Clemson Tigers’ quarterback future sparks heated debate as fans question Dabo Swinney’s loyalty-first approach and the fate of the offense. Is Christopher Vizzina the answer under center, or does Clemson risk a total collapse by bypassing transfer portal opportunities? Morgan Thomas and Zach Sako break down the internal logic driving Clemson’s roster decisions heading into 2026, comparing Vezina’s potential against sought-after QBs like Aiden Chiles and Sam Leavitt.

Key topics include the Tigers’ history of quarterback stability, recent underwhelming development at the position, and whether Chad Morris’ return as offensive coordinator signals a strategic reset or a desperate fallback. With concerns over thin margins and roster turbulence—especially at defensive tackle, safety, and offensive line—this episode asks if Dabo's steadfast philosophy can keep Clemson competitive or if it’s the start of a challenging new era for Tiger football.

00:00 "Clemson's Quarterback Dilemma"
03:52 "Clemson's Philosophy: Strength or Stalemate?"
09:11 "Christopher Vizzina: Ready or Not?"
11:57 "Join the Everydayer Club"
14:16 "Unrealized Potential in Clemson QBs"
17:11 Quarterback Development Concerns Persist
21:31 "Clemson's 2026 Challenges Ahead"
25:13 "Dabo's Familiar Choices Analyzed"
28:51 "Stabilizing Clemson's Roster Challenges"
30:56 "Locked On College Football Update"

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Rocket Money
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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