Transfer portal volatility has shifted the attention of the CFB world to a high-fly season to the 2025 roster. It, to some extent, allows some schools to gear up for their next in an advanced timeline while leaving others in the dark before a crucial playoff game. Penn State lost their best QB backup, Beau Pribula, in the portal, marking a massive last-minute loophole in their depth chart. Does another playoff team, Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers, seem to stand on the same ground after their upset CFP exit? The latest hearsay about their stellar DL Peter Woods might help you get the hang of it.

The Tigers have ended their season with a tragic first-round playoff loss. As the No. 12 seed, they faced the Texas Longhorns in a nail-biter on the road. Cade Klubnik’s lackluster output in the first half and a frustrating defensive slump culminated in a 38-24 on the scoreboard. It’s quite understandable the roster won’t look the same. Some big players will pull the rug and say enough is done, and now it’s time to move on to a new powerhouse. Peter Woods, the prized offensive tackle, shows the early signs of this predictable post-playoff defeat syndrome.

In an eye-opening video, Alabama insider Stephen Smith breaks down the random rumors surrounding Woods’ cryptic tweet. ‘‘On his social media, Peter Woods posted on X, ‘Thank you, Clemson’. Posted on X on social media after Clemson got beaten by Texas in the first round of the college football playoff.”

What does this mean for Dabo Swinney’s Tigers? Well, we don’t know for sure, but that doesn’t mean non-Clemson fans aren’t excited and interpreting the tweet in their own ways.

“That got a lot of views from Alabama fans, [who] wondered okay, what’s going on with Peter Woods? Is he going to hit the portal? Is he transferring? Will he leave Clemson? I’ve gotten this source down close to the situation where Peter Woods is concerned. It’s very possible right now? Very possible. Peter Woods can hit the portal and leave Clemson,” Smith added.

Woods, 19, was born and raised in the neighborhood of Alabaster, Alabama. After nailing his high school era in the Thomson High School era, Woods joined forces with the Tigers in 2023, appearing in 12 games and starting for two. He had a spectacular first year with 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and 307 snaps under his belt. He also mounted 10 quarterback pressures and had the most tackles in a season for Clemson. 2024 added up 18 more solo tackles, 3 sacks, and one forced fumble to his resume. His ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line, athletic prowess in a two-point stance in an edge role, made him a rare breed in the defense.

If the prodigy, however, considers transferring to Alabama and brings it back where it all started, it would be a serious homecoming move. Good news for Kalen DeBoer and Co.!

On the other hand, Dabo Swinney might receive another punch in the gut if Woods leaves. He just started to show some signs of hope in the 2025 transfer portal, easing the playoff heartbreak a little. But the old roster is shaking, and it’s inevitable.

Dabo Swinney’s roster looks like a heap of a mess amidst multiple departures

RB Phil Mafah is leaving for the NFL after mounting three remarkable seasons with the Tigers. You can’t just deny that the offensive line has been a recurring pain in the neck for Dabo Swinney’s team, not just in 2024 but in the past few years. But despite a messy season, OG Marcus Tate had been the lone bright point for Clemson and will now move on through the portal.

The middle of the defense will also fall short as LB Barrett Carter is looking likely to go to the NFL draft.

However, it’s a breather for Dabo Swinney that junior QB Cade Klubnik still hasn’t thought of turning his back on the program. When the kid was asked after Clemson’s 38-24 loss to Texas if he would be returning to Clemson next season, Klubnik bypassed the question.

“I’m just trying to deal with the emotions of tonight,” Klubnik said. “I just played my last football game with a lot of these guys, so I’m not really thinking about me right now. I’m just thinking of all the relationships that I have built over the last three years. That’s really what I am thinking about right now.”

Although Dabo Swinney had some plans to replace these guys, the ballgame won’t be easy. A wise and strategic restructuring of the roster can only save him for 2025 after an abrupt season end.