Clemson safety Ricardo Jones is entering the transfer portal, according to multiple reports.
The decision was first reported by On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Jones will have 2 years of eligibility remaining after spending 2 seasons and appearing in 25 games with the Tigers.
Jones started 12 games this past season for Clemson. He was a third-team All-ACC selection by the league and a second-team pick by the AP after totaling 39 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups, and 6 interceptions.
The 6-foot-2 safety returned 1 of his league-leading 6 picks for a touchdown. He had 2 interceptions in Clemson’s 28-14 win over South Carolina on Nov. 29. He also had picks against Florida State, SMU, Boston College, and Troy. His 6 were the most by a Clemson player in a single season since 2009.
He leaves Clemson with 59 career tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 pass breakups, 7 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and a defensive score.
Jones was a 4-star recruit out of the 2024 class after playing his high school ball for Warner Robins (Ga.) Northside. He had power conference offers from more than 2 dozen schools.
Dabo Swinney has now lost multiple key starters from the defense to the transfer portal, with Jones joining safety Khalil Barnes and defensive tackle Stephiylan Green. Both Barnes and Green have drawn interest from top SEC schools in the portal, and Jones is expected to do the same.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
