Clemson will enter its ACC opener at Georgia Tech with a laundry list of injuries that could reshape the rotation on both sides of the ball. According to the ACC’s official injury report, the Tigers will be without 11 players, including key contributors at wide receiver, running back, and along the defensive front.
Among the most notable absences:
WR Juju Preston (#10)
RB Jarvis Green (#21)
RB Peyton Streko (#23)
RB Jay Haynes (#26)
DE Armon Mason (#34)
LB Billy Wilkes (#43)
DT Makhi Williams Lee (#55)
That kind of attrition puts extra pressure on Clemson’s depth chart, particularly in the backfield. With three scholarship running backs unavailable, the Tigers will need Adam Randall and younger reserves to carry a heavier load.
The passing game also takes a hit with Preston, Sam Earle, and Tristan Martinez sidelined — meaning quarterback Cade Klubnik will have to rely even more on returning starters like Tyler Brown and Troy Stellato.
Key Questionables to Watch
While the “out” list is long, Clemson also has several players questionable heading into Saturday:
WR Antonio Williams (#0) – one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers, battling through rehab.
S Khalil Barnes (#7) – a versatile piece in the secondary.
OL Elyjah Thurmon (#52) and OL Tristan Leigh (#71) – both could impact the Tigers’ offensive line depth if they can’t go.
Williams’ availability is especially critical. His ability to stretch defenses and work in the slot gives Klubnik a much-needed security blanket. If he can’t suit up, Clemson may be forced to spread snaps among unproven targets.
Georgia Tech Not Unscathed
The Yellow Jackets aren’t completely healthy either. They’ll be without six players, headlined by defensive backs Savion Riley (#13) and D.J. Moore (#22). Losing two starters in the secondary could leave Georgia Tech exposed against Clemson’s passing attack, particularly if Williams is cleared to play.
Running back depth also takes a hit with Chad Alexander (#27) sidelined, while defensive lineman Ronald Triplette (#24) is questionable. If Triplette can’t go, Tech’s defensive front may struggle to slow down Clemson’s ground game, even with the Tigers shorthanded at running back.
What It Means for Saturday
The storylines are clear: Clemson must find answers on offense with so many skill players unavailable, while Georgia Tech will need to patch holes in its defensive backfield.
If Williams is cleared, Clemson regains a major weapon. If not, the Tigers will lean heavily on Klubnik’s chemistry with Brown, Stellato, and the tight ends. Defensively, Clemson’s young front will be tested without Mason and Williams Lee, especially against Tech’s physical run game.
For Georgia Tech, missing two starting DBs could be disastrous against a Clemson passing attack eager to find rhythm. But if Clemson can’t protect Klubnik or establish the run with a depleted backfield, the Jackets may have a chance to flip the script at home.
Bottom line: Both teams enter Saturday far from full strength. Depth will decide who survives the war of attrition in Atlanta.