Clemson is using the NCAA's "designated student-athlete" rule

To fill out its roster ahead of the 2026 season, Clemson is using the NCAA's "designated student-athlete" rule.

On Monday, Clemson's online roster was updated, showing that coach Dabo Swinney added five walk-on transfers from other colleges, including a quarterback with ACC experience.

Three of the five players are student-athletes, also known as DSAs. Following the initial House vs. NCAA settlement last summer, these football players would have been excluded from teams. However, they were later grandfathered into the system.

While DSAs are on college football rosters, they are not counted against the NCAA's 105-man roster limit. Here are the new walk-on transfers joining Clemson this season QB Colson Brown (Georgia Tech, Anderson), LS J.R. Buckner (Auburn), CB Davion Joyner (Limestone), WR Grady Sherrill (UNC, South Dakota), OL Danny Stein (Furman)

Buckner, Sherrill and Stein join Clemson as DSAs who don't count against the roster limit. Brown and Joyner are not DSAs and count against Clemson's 105-man roster limit. All five players will serve as walk-ons, though.

This strategic move allows Clemson to expand its pool of talented players without exceeding NCAA roster restrictions. By adding DSAs, Clemson can bolster its depth and versatility, particularly at key positions like quarterback and offensive line. This can be crucial during long and grueling seasons. Additionally, these walk-on transfers bring diverse experiences from other programs, which can enhance the team's overall performance and adaptability.