Keith Adams Jr. is entering the transfer portal after four seasons at Clemson. For bettors, expect Phil Mafah’s workload to rise — consider backing Mafah in early-season rushing props or over on carries/rushing yards, while Clemson’s team rushing lines may tighten due to reduced depth and fewer RB rotations.
Keith Adams Jr. Enters Transfer Portal, Leaves Clemson Backfield Shaken
Clemson running back Keith Adams Jr. is entering the transfer portal after four seasons with the Tigers. A depth piece for the past seasons, Adams leaves a role that combined short-yardage work, blocking duties and occasional offensive bursts.
Career Snapshot and Production
Adams appeared in 32 games at Clemson, totaling 274 rushing yards and two touchdowns with a 4.7 yards-per-carry average. His most active season came in 2024, when he played 12 games and rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown on 30 attempts (4.1 avg.).
Notable Performances and 2024 Contributions
Adams served as a steady backup, especially on third-down and goal-line snaps. His best outing came against Wake Forest with 36 yards and a touchdown on six carries. This season he carried 14 times for 71 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a seven-carry, 49-yard game and a score versus Boston College. He also contributed as a lead blocker, helping pave the way for a teammate’s rushing touchdown against No. 9 LSU.
Accolades and Background
Adams earned ACC Honor Roll recognition in both 2023 and 2024. A Utah native and former three-star recruit, he originally drew offers from programs such as South Florida, Navy and Marshall. When he signed in 2022, coaches praised his physical, relentless running style.
Family Legacy
Adams is the son of Clemson great Keith Adams Sr., who holds single-season program records with 186 tackles and 16 sacks, plus single-game marks of 27 tackles and five sacks. Adams Sr. ranks ninth in career tackles (379) and is tied for fourth in career sacks (23) at Clemson, and spent seven seasons in the NFL.
Implications for Clemson and Betting Markets
Adams’ departure reduces depth behind starter Phil Mafah and could shift short-yardage and situational duties upward. Expect a heavier workload for Mafah and a tighter rotation among remaining backs. For bettors, this translates to potential player-prop value on Mafah’s carries and rushing yards, and slightly altered team rushing projections early in the next season.
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The Clemson Tigers will see a piece of their running back depth hit the transfer portal when it opens
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