Clemson Tigers cornerback Michael Mankaka has officially entered the transfer portal as of January 2, 2024, according to reports from 247 Sports. This marks Mankaka as the eighth player from the Tigers to seek new opportunities through the transfer portal this offseason, and he is the second cornerback to make this move.
Mankaka, who joined Clemson as an unranked walk-on from the 2022 recruiting class, initially played as a wide receiver. During his first season, he opted for a redshirt to retain eligibility, leading to no game appearances in 2022. He made minimal contributions in 2023, participating in special teams against Charleston Southern and Florida Atlantic.
With the addition of new wide receivers like Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore, Mankaka transitioned to the defensive back position, similar to fellow teammate Misun Kelley. In 2024, he logged a career-high of 16 snaps over three games. However, after seeing only one snap in a game against Furman, he decided to enter the transfer portal.
Mankaka’s departure is significant, as he was part of Clemson’s official 105-man roster, which means his exit opens up a scholarship-eligible spot for incoming recruits. In contrast, Cade Trotter, a fellow walk-on quarterback who also announced his intention to transfer, did not count toward this limit due to his status. Trotter spent the past season on a crowded depth chart and did not participate in any games, preserving four years of eligibility as he seeks a new team.
The increase in available roster spots from 13 to 14 due to Mankaka’s transfer is noteworthy, particularly amidst the ongoing roster turnover the Tigers are experiencing. The implications of these movements will be closely monitored as Clemson prepares for the upcoming season and integrates new talent.
Clemson Tigers on SI will continue to track developments regarding players in the transfer portal, providing updates on Mankaka and others as they determine their next steps.
