Dabo Swinney and Clemson football haven't suffered many losses this offseason, but the past week was a forgettable one for the Tigers.
After dismissing former four-star and long-time committed in-state running back Marquise Henderson, the Tigers missed out on four-star cornerback target Danny Odem to Nebraska, and then lost a heated recruiting battle for a top running back to Georgia.
On Wednesday, Jae Lamar committed to Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs over Clemson.
This was a difficult miss for Swinney because Lamar was just on campus on May 30 and everything seemingly went well on his official, but the draw of being a home-state hero at a powerhouse program like Georgia was just too much for the Tigers to overcome.
Lamar was the top running back target for Clemson in the 2026 class and now Dabo must either circle back with him and his other committed running back targets or he'll have to get back to the drawing board and extend more offers.
Clemson's running back position has been a major topic of conversation heading into the 2025 season because there's a lack of experience there, but talent is not an issue.
Fortunately, Clemson is set up for a little while at the position, especially if Gideon Davidson breaks out like I believe he will. However, losing Henderson and missing on Lamar in the same week hurts.
Dabo's other two running back offers in the class are already committed elsewhere. Carsyn Baker from Fairburn, Ga., is committed to Florida and Javian Mallory from Boca Raton, Fla., is already committed to Miami.
It's time to expand that board.