CLEMSON — While Dabo Swinney has often highlighted Clemson football’s success in retaining players through the transfer portal, there are two key departures he admits were tough to lose.
In an April 23 ESPN interview, Swinney shared that he had a strong desire to keep safety Andrew Mukuba and defensive end A.J. Hoffler on the team. Mukuba, a three-year starter at Clemson, transferred to Texas in December 2023, citing a need for a fresh start and improved development. Hoffler entered the portal shortly after, on December 26, and later committed to Georgia Tech after two seasons with the Tigers.
Since the NCAA transfer portal began in 2018, 62 Clemson players have transferred out, including notable names like quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State), receiver Beaux Collins (Notre Dame), linebacker Mike Jones Jr. (LSU), and cornerback Derion Kendrick (Georgia). Despite the long list, Swinney specifically expressed disappointment over losing Mukuba and Hoffler, whom he hoped would finish their college careers at Clemson.
Mukuba had a strong season with Texas, recording five interceptions and seven pass breakups, and played against his former team in the College Football Playoff, tallying three tackles and a deflection. He is now entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hoffler, on the other hand, saw limited playing time at Clemson, appearing in 21 games without a start, and recorded 16 tackles and one pass deflection.
This past December, Hoffler was one of five portal exits, and Clemson has since lost one more scholarship player in the spring window: cornerback Tavoy Feagin.
Despite the departures, Clemson added new talent during the winter transfer window, including wide receiver Tristan Smith, defensive end Will Heldt, and linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, making it the largest incoming transfer class under Swinney.
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