With the 2026 NCAA transfer portal frenzy officially behind the trophy in the rearview mirror, the Clemson Tigers' team is beginning to form. The next part of the schedule offers up a few possible candidates for an exciting season under head coach Dabo Swinney. Now, let’s take our look at their current ranking. Position by position, the team is about to write the books on its football season.
The Quarterback Carousel. Looks like Christopher Vizzina will be standing next to try to help lead signal-calling for Clemson this season! With Cade Klubnik transitioning to the NFL and so on, Vizzina looks poised to shine. With a couple new faces on the scene: Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley, we’ve got newcomers to speed up the flow. Also keep an eye on Chris Denson — he is also in the field of competition for the starting gig, but Vizzina has more experience.
A Fresh Start in the Backfield. After a tough 2024 that saw Jay Haynes sidelined with an ACL injury, this season’s running back lineup is wide open! With Adam Randall graduating and Keith Adams Jr. transferring out, the race will be fierce for it! Gideon Davidson and David Eziomume are chasing it down to the top position, but even more worryingly, the returning Jay Haynes himself back on the field is set to fill the shoes. Chris Johnson Jr., a transfer from SMU, isn't just bringing up speed—he's going to make a game-changer for the sport during the off season.
Highlight Reel Performers. Nice news for the receiving corps — TJ Moore is back for one more season! He’s going to partner with Bryant Wesco Jr., and Clemson has got a great pair there for fun. With a few transfers and returning offenses including Tyler Brown and Juju Preston, the offense will make some jaw-dropping plays. Freshmen all three could shake things up, so look to get fireworks at spring training.
Fitting The Tight End Room That’s a promising tight end core ready to put some solid young brains together with senior Olsen Patt-Henry and the new Christian Bentancur, a pass-catching star. The new guy Tayveon Wilson has more depth, but keep an eye on Logan Brooking because he’s ready to make some money off of his recent touchdown grab.
Build Up the Front Line The offensive line needs to be watched closely, with some turnover. They lost Ryan Linthicum, but they kept walk-ons like Chapman Pendergrass and traditional guards like Harris Sewell, who is able to adjust to the new environment as needed. And with a bunch of freshman recruits in, they’ll be competing for a spot, and we can’t wait to see how this shake-up goes throughout the spring.
Guards and Tackles. So Ready to Protect the Quarterback. Collin Sadler will position himself to lead a younger, injury-prone crop on guard positions. With a talented incoming freshman class, the competition will only grow more heated. Losing two tackles, meanwhile, means Clemson will need to quickly have reliable replacements who can fill in, with Brayden Jacobs and Ian Reed filling big positions. This is the group that will be one to watch!
Fortifying the Defense. You can see the defensive line being played with the transfers and the return of the players. Markus Strong and Andy Burburija will have a strong chance of helping; Amare Adams will be their starting player. They're expected to make up the significant holes left by departures from a draft in the NFL after all.
A New Look Line Backing Crew. With Sammy Brown at the forefront of that effort and a couple of transfers in the mix, the linebacker lineup begins to solidify. Jeremiah Alexander and Kobe McCloud are gunning for a large snaps, and a blossoming former walk-on, Fletcher Cothran, might not pull any punches.
Ready to Lock It Down. After Avieon Terrell’s departure, the cornerback group has some reorganizing to do. Ashton Hampton seems suited to meet the task head-on as he gears out to take over as Senior Leader of the secondary. Adding Elliot Washington II and Donovan Starr from the transfer portal should help fortify this squad, giving their new teammates that necessary experience as well as quickness.
Safety/TIGER.
Wild Card in the Secondary. Ronan Hanafin, now a wide receiver converted into the safety, has got his own unique perspective to offer in that position. The new starters Jerome Carter III and Corey Myrick are out to make waves, but with some good players from his past in plays that could help provide cover, like Kylon Griffin, the safe people are in good hands.
Getting It Done in the Kicking Game.
The special teams unit is looking comfortable when it comes to the new season ahead with Nolan Hauser returning as a reliable kicker and Jack Smith playing ball as punter. In the long snapper position, a heavyweight battle will take place between the more promising freshman, Jackson Reach, and the veteran Brodey Conn.
Final Thoughts: The Tigers now appear ready for action as they close the gap and make sure their roster isn't left a sore mess. With all these changes, spring camp will be of utmost importance to any current team as they figure things out. How will it be for them to come up against a previously unknown crop of players- and what an exciting season to come?