DEFENSIVE REVAMP: Clemson’s Portal Fixes | Will Marcus Strong and Courtney Kelly DOMINATE in 2026?

Clemson Tigers shake up their defensive roster with strategic transfer portal pickups. Will Marcus Strong, Courtney Kelly, London Merritt, and C.J. Wesley solve last season’s struggles on the defensive front, and can Elliot Washington II, Donovan Star, and Jerome Carter III inject much-needed speed and ball-hawking ability into the secondary?Morgan Thomas spotlights Clemson’s revamped approach, emphasizing how Tom Allen’s vision is redefining competitiveness and work ethic across the defense. Key topics include the urgent need to generate pressure with just four pass rushers, the challenge of playing tight man coverage, and whether these new additions will elevate the team culture ahead of their LSU opener. Clemson’s “problem solvers” promise fresh energy, but can they deliver? Find out if the Tigers are ready to reclaim their reputation as defensive powerhouses.00:00 Clemson’s 2026 Roster Rebuild05:23 Clemson Counting on Marcus Strong09:25 "Hungry Clemson Defensive Prospect"11:48 "Super Bowl 60 FanDuel Promo"15:20 Proven Transfer with Familiar Fit17:36 Clemson Invests in Donovan Star21:18 Coach Poppy's Contract Extension25:40 Clemson's Defensive Pressure Dilemma28:37 Clemson's Secondary ChallengesEverydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastFanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.