After a strong campaign last year, Clemson men’s basketball is gearing up for another postseason run—and they’re doing it with a serious influx of talent. Head coach Brad Brownell announced the addition of six transfers and one freshman to the roster for the 2025–26 season, adding depth, experience, and versatility across the board.
Leading the class is former Nevada forward Nick Davidson, a 6-foot-8 stretch big from Mission Viejo, California. Davidson spent three seasons with the Wolf Pack, redshirting his freshman year. He’s known for his ability to stretch the floor, rebound effectively, and defend multiple positions. His maturity and three years of collegiate experience make him one of the most ready-to-contribute additions for the Tigers.
Joining him from Utah Tech is Jake Wahlin, a 6-foot-8 wing from Provo, Utah. Wahlin brings length, energy, and shooting ability to Clemson’s perimeter rotation. With his size and offensive range, Wahlin could be a matchup problem for opposing defenses and a valuable piece off the bench or in small-ball lineups.
Another notable name is Efrem “Butta” Johnson, a 6-foot guard from Huntsville, Alabama. Johnson, who played at Georgia State, is a dynamic playmaker with a quick first step and a confident scoring mentality. He’s expected to bring a spark to the Tigers’ backcourt—both as a scorer and a distributor.
Jestin Porter, a 6-foot-2 guard from Houston, Texas, also joins the team after a standout career at Jackson State. Known for his on-ball defense and athleticism, Porter adds a tough, gritty edge to the guard rotation. His defensive presence could be key in high-pressure ACC matchups.
Perhaps the most familiar face in the group is RJ Godfrey, who returns to Clemson after briefly entering the transfer portal. The Suwanee, Georgia native played a key role for the Tigers over the past two seasons and brings valuable continuity and leadership to the locker room. His return provides Clemson with a steady presence who already knows Brownell’s system.
Rounding out the transfer group is Carter Welling, a 6-foot-5 guard from Draper, Utah. While Welling may not be as high-profile as some of the other transfers, he offers depth and developmental upside. His length and perimeter game could allow him to carve out a rotational role over time.
In addition to the six transfers, Clemson is also adding a true freshman: Blake Davidson, younger brother of Nick Davidson. Blake, a 6-foot-3 guard from Mater Dei High School in California, averaged 10 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as a senior. He’s a balanced player with strong basketball IQ and has the potential to develop into a reliable contributor as he adjusts to the college level.
This transfer-heavy approach reflects a growing trend across college basketball, where the portal has become a key tool for roster construction. For Clemson, these moves are about blending experienced players with the existing core to stay competitive in a loaded ACC.
Brownell’s staff has focused on bringing in players who can contribute right away but also complement the strengths of returning players
The Tigers’ new-look roster will bring a different energy to Littlejohn Coliseum this fall. With added size, shooting, and backcourt depth, Clemson looks poised to remain a threat in the ACC and make another push toward March Madness.
As summer workouts approach, all eyes will be on how quickly this group can come together. If chemistry clicks, the Tigers may have assembled one of the more underrated transfer classes in the country.
