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Clemson’s first offensive portal addition isn’t flashy — but it’s important

Chris Johnson Jr.’s arrival gives Clemson speed, depth and flexibility as the Tigers reset their running back room for 2026.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 18 SMU at Clemson | Icon Sportswire/GettyImages

Chris Johnson Jr.’s commitment may not register as a splash nationally, but it quietly addresses several realities facing Clemson Tigers heading into the 2026 season.

Most immediately, it stabilizes a running back room that was thinner than it appeared. With Adam Randall out of eligibility and Keith Adams Jr. departing via the portal, Clemson needed a college-ready option capable of contributing without forcing a dramatic shift in workload or development timelines.