If Thursday’s injury report looked grim, Friday’s update turned it into a crisis. Clemson confirmed that wide receiver Antonio Williams (#0), safety Khalil Barnes (#7), and offensive linemen Elyjah Thurmon (#52) and Tristan Leigh (#71) are officially out for Saturday’s noon clash at Georgia Tech.
That’s on top of Thursday’s already lengthy list, which included:
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)
OL Easton Ware (#63)
WR Sam Earle (#82)
WR Tristan Martinez (#86)
DE Ari Watford (#99)
All told, 15 Clemson players are unavailable, including four wide receivers, three running backs, and three offensive linemen.
Offense Takes a Major Hit
Williams’ absence looms largest. The dynamic receiver was considered questionable on Thursday, but now his unavailability leaves quarterback Cade Klubnik without his top security blanket. With Preston, Earle, and Martinez also out, the Tigers’ passing attack will lean heavily on Tyler Brown, and the tight ends.
On the ground, Clemson’s backfield is dangerously thin. With Green, Streko, and Haynes sidelined, Adam Randall and the few remaining healthy backs will be asked to shoulder the entire load.
The offensive line isn’t spared either. Losing Thurmon, Leigh, and Ware further complicates pass protection and run blocking — a troubling sign against a physical Georgia Tech front.
Georgia Tech Still Without Key Starters
The Yellow Jackets’ injury situation remains unchanged from Thursday. Defensive backs Savion Riley (#13) and D.J. Moore (#22) are out, along with DB Trelain Maddox (#22), RB Chad Alexander (#27), OL Benjamin Galloway (#74), and DL Shymeik Jones (#96).
The one lingering question mark is DL Ronald Triplette (#24), who remains questionable. His presence could help bolster Tech’s defensive front, especially with Clemson so thin in the trenches.
What It Means for Saturday in Atlanta
Clemson’s margin for error has evaporated. Missing so many skill players and linemen, the Tigers will need Klubnik to elevate the offense, avoid turnovers, and make quick reads behind a patchwork line.
Georgia Tech, though banged up in the secondary, now has an opening. If the Jackets can generate pressure and force Klubnik into mistakes, they could turn Memorial Stadium South into a house of horrors for the Tigers.