Vanderbilt loses starting defensive end to NCAA transfer portal

Vanderbilt defensive end Nate Clifton announced Wednesday that he will be entering the transfer portal after 5 seasons in Nashville.

Clifton will have 1 season of eligibility, using his exemption from the 2020 season with the Covid-19 pandemic. He joined the team in 2019 but immediately took a redshirt season upon arrival to campus.

Here’s Clifton’s post announcing his intentions:

On to the next ??? pic.twitter.com/y9Y1Dz2Ysq

— Nate Clifton (@Nate_Cliff_) November 29, 2023

Clifton has been great for the Commodores, especially in 2023. He finished this season with 30 total tackles across 12 games, totaling 5.5 sacks, 1 interception and 7.5 tackles for loss.

For his career Clifton has totaled 93 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 interceptions and 2 pass deflections. He served as a team captain in 2023.

Clifton is not the first major name to enter the portal. Ken Seals and AJ Swann both announced their intentions to depart from Nashville earlier this week.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.