Clemson football losing starting safety to transfer portal, per reports
Another Clemson football starter is transferring.
Starting strong safety Andrew Mukuba has entered the transfer portal, according to Tuesday reports from ESPN, 247Sports and On3. The 2021 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year has started 31 of his 35 career games with Clemson and was fourth on the team with 45 total tackles this season as a junior.
Mukuba is among the most prominent Clemson players to enter the portal this cycle. Starting wide receiver Beaux Collins (38 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns) is also transferring out, which gives the Tigers two significant portal losses in a situation where they’ve primarily lost depth players over the years.
Mukuba, a native of Austin, Texas, played all over the field for Clemson during his three years there and leaves with 149 tackles, 20 pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and an interception across 1,734 snaps. He was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 as well as the first true freshman defensive back to start a season opener for Clemson since 1972.
Mukuba, a former four-star recruit, spent time at cornerback, safety and nickelback during his Clemson tenure and started 10 of the team’s 12 games this season at either nickelback or strong safety, missing two games with injury.
He is the seventh Clemson player to enter the portal this cycle.
Clemson football 2023 transfers
- QB Hunter Helms, Nov. 28
- OL Mitchell Mayes, Nov. 29
- WR Beaux Collins, Nov. 30
- TE Sage Ennis, Nov. 30
- CB Toriano Pride Jr., Nov. 30
- RB Domonique Thomas, Dec. 4
- S Andrew Mukuba, Dec. 5
This story was originally published December 5, 2023 at 10:27 AM with the headline "Clemson football losing starting safety to transfer portal, per reports."
