Through the first five weeks of the season, Clemson sits at 3-2 overall and 2-1 in ACC play. Dabo Swinney's team has wins over Georgia Southern, North Carolina, and Cal. However, the Tigers' two losses came to two of the 10 best teams in the country at LSU in Week 1 and home versus Miami in Week 5. Let's just say that the losses sting far more than how great those three wins in a row were.
With Clemson now on its bye week, Swinney and his team needs to confront a few of these issues plaguing the Tigers in an effort to get better. While it has not been all bad, the first five games of the season have not exactly been up to Clemson standard either. This team may be halfway decent, but it will not get the benefit of the doubt in its final seven regular-season games. They will have to earn it.
Although some positions did get favorable marks, others will want to throw away their report cards.
Quarterbacks
For the sake of argument, let's play this one right down the middle. While the extraordinarily brief Christopher Vizzina era under center lasted a total of one game and three series, we may need to grade the quarterback room on a curve, with true freshman Tait Reynolds serving as the starter the rest of the way. While he has given this offense some life, he is still struggling to find the end zone.
Grade: C
Running Backs
The Clemson running back room was very much a wait-and-see proposition heading into fall camp. While Gideon Davidson has clearly emerged as the ground game's focal point as lead back, he has disappeared in Clemson's two biggest games. He was a monster in the UNC and Cal victories, but not against LSU or Miami. Chris Johnson Jr. has not been able to give him any serious lift as a backup yet.
Grade: C+
Wide Receivers
Coming into the season, Clemson's wide receivers were the best unit on the entire team. It still may be the case, but it is hard to accurately gauge this unit based on the other offensive issues at hand. Yes, it is still the best unit on the offensive side of the ball for Clemson. However, the Tigers still need to see more out of Bryant Wesco Jr., TJ Moore, and Tyler Brown to make sure they earn their mark.
Grade: B+
Tight Ends
After seeing Christian Bentancur be on the receiving end of Reynolds' first career touchdown pass, we have not seen much of anything out of Clemson's tight ends the last two weeks. We are still waiting for Bentancur to truly take off. Meanwhile, he has not separated all that much from the veteran Olsen Patt-Henry. This unit is asked to do the least of anyone, but it still often disappoints.
Grade: C-
Offensive Line
What a complete and utter tire fire! No position group deserves to be more chastised than Matt Luke's offensive line. While he tried to defend himself over Clemson not landing any of its transfer portal targets up front this past offseason, the fan base is not having any of it. This is Clemson's worst position group by a country mile. The worst part is the offensive line was supposed to be a strength.
Grade: F
Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke confirms that they spoke with a few transfer portal O-linemen this offseason, but it “didn’t work out.” He and Dabo Swinney both remain confident in the guys they have and that group’s trajectory. Luke: “It’s not like there’s just no hope” pic.twitter.com/5BgU2KCm0n
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 6, 2026
Defensive Line
Of the 10 units to be discussed, Clemson's defensive line was the weakest coming into the season. While it has not been all bad, it has not been all that good either. Vic Burley getting suspended right before the start of the season was bad. Oklahoma transfer Markus Strong being out for the year after the LSU game was even worse. This unit is trying so hard, but Swinney seems to be holding it back.
Grade: D
Pass Rush
Through five games, Clemson has 10 sacks and many more pressures. With Will Heldt leading the way with four sacks, including two in back-to-back games over Georgia Southern and North Carolina, Clemson's pass rush is a bit feistier than expected. While London Merritt seems to be coming along playing opposite of Heldt, Clemson's pressure coming off the edge comes and goes too frequently.
Grade: B-
Linebackers
Two of Clemson's best defensive players hail from the linebacker room. While Sammy Brown has been productive, he has not jumped off the page at any point during the season. On the other hand, Jeremiah Alexander has rounded into form versus lesser competition. Clemson's linebacker corps is arguably deeper and better than expected, but nowhere near as dynamic as it honestly should be.
Grade: B
Defensive Backs
There has not been a more pleasant surprise for Clemson this season than the elevated play of its secondary. This unit is among the elite across college football. Ashton Hampton has emerged as a superstar. Elliot Washington II has been a tremendous ballhawk since coming over from Penn State. The only criticsm about this unit is the defensive backfield will give up a big play against elite teams.
Grade: A-
Special Teams
The one positive constant throughout every one of Clemson's games this year has been outstanding special teams play. Swinney's decision to hire Rich Bisaccia has paid out in immediate dividends. Nolan Hauser is one of the Power Four's most reliable kickers. Davidson has been effective in the kickoff game, while Wesco had the magnificent punt return on the road to put a beating on lowly Cal.
Grade: A
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