Clemson Cornerback Shelton Lewis to Enter Transfer Portal
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Clemson cornerback Shelton Lewis will enter the transfer portal, becoming the first Tiger to do so in the 2026 cycle, according to a report by greenvilleonline. Lewis intends to utilize a four-game redshirt season this year,preserving two years of eligibility.
Lewis spent three seasons with the Clemson football program, appearing in four games in 2025 and recording seven tackles and one pass deflection. He primarily served as the backup nickel cornerback to Misun Kelley, seeing meaningful action against Syracuse in Week 4 when Kelley was unavailable, playing 33 defensive snaps. He was limited to special teams duties in the season opener against LSU.
The decision comes as Lewis played in just enough games to qualify for a redshirt without sacrificing a year of eligibility. had he played in one more game this season, he would have been ineligible for a redshirt and would have had only one year of eligibility remaining.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has publicly advocated for a rule change allowing players five years to play five seasons, aiming to address situations like Lewis’ where players might consider sitting out games to preserve redshirt status.
Clemson (1-3, 0-2 ACC) faces North Carolina (2-2) on Oct. 4 at noon ET on ESPN.