The Clemson Tigers are making serious moves in the NCAA transfer portal, and they just landed a major target to bolster their frontcourt. For the second time this week, head coach Brad Brownell has secured a key commitment, signaling a proactive approach to building the 2026 roster.
The latest addition is Dylan Faulkner, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward transferring from Samford. A source confirmed to On3 that Faulkner committed to the Tigers on Friday, bringing a proven track record of production to Death Valley. As a junior last season, Faulkner was a force, earning First Team All-Southern Conference honors while averaging an impressive 17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
This acquisition is particularly noteworthy as Faulkner was rated a four-star transfer and ranked among the top 200 players available nationally. He showcased his scoring prowess with a season-high 27 points against Mercer and recorded 11 double-doubles, demonstrating the consistent interior presence Clemson has been seeking.
Faulkner's commitment follows another significant addition earlier this week: former Samford assistant coach Tyler Murray joining the staff as general manager. This connection likely played a role in securing Faulkner, adding a layer of strategic roster building for the Tigers.
He isn't the only new face, either. Faulkner joins shooting guard Cole Certa, a consensus top-100 transfer from Notre Dame who averaged nearly 13 points per game last season. Together, they represent a powerful one-two punch from the portal, addressing both frontcourt scoring and perimeter shooting needs.
These moves come at a crucial time for a Clemson program that has established itself as a consistent NCAA Tournament team, making the field for three consecutive seasons. After a 24-11 campaign that ended with a first-round loss to Iowa, Coach Brownell is clearly reloading to make a deeper run. Adding a versatile, high-motor forward like Faulkner is a statement of intent for the Tigers as they prepare for the future battles of ACC play.