Through the first five games of the season, one of the biggest strengths for Clemson has been the play of its secondary. While cornerbacks Ashton Hampton and Elliot Washington II have gotten the most notoriety, it has been a collectively strong effort across the board from the entire unit. However, the Tigers' defensive backfield will have to navigate Corian Gipson being ruled out for the season.
Dabo Swinney shared on Monday that the starting nickelback "will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury." Gipson is having season-ending surgery. His third year with the program ends with 17 combined tackles, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble over four games. While it may not be as big of an injury for Clemson if it were to happen to Hampton or Washington, Clemson must overcome it.
To put it simply, Clemson's secondary is the Tigers' best unit on the defensive side of the football. While the linebacking corps and pass rush have been solid for the most part, the defensive line is what is holding this defense back from potentially going from good to great. At this time, any injury to the defensive backfield limits the ceiling for what this Clemson defense can do the rest of the season.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says starting nickelback Corian Gipson will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Gipson needs season-ending surgery, Dabo says
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 5, 2026
Who must step up for Clemson with Corian Gipson out for the season?
Swinney revealed later on Monday evening that defensive backs Ronan Hanafin and Donovan Starr are going to get more run because of this injury. Hanafin played quite a lot in the North Carolina game and has been a productive part of Clemson's secondary throughout with 27 combined tackles on the season. Starr has played sparingly in his first season with Clemson since coming over from Auburn.
There are also opportunities for Hampton to play some at nickel and Branden Strozier at cornerback.
With starting nickel Corian Gipson out for the year, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says that DBs Ronan Hanafin and Donovan Starr will see more playing time. They will also mix in starting CB Ashton Hampton at nickel, meaning more reps for backup DB Branden Strozier at corner
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 5, 2026
The idea of moving Hampton around more is intriguing, to say the least. He did a marvelous job on Saturday night helping take away Malachi Toney in the passing game for the most part against Miami. However, he is at his best playing outside the numbers on an island. This decision to kick Hampton inside at times may be a result of Clemson wanting to get Strozier more playing time he has earned.
The good news for Clemson is that the Tigers have an extra week to get healthier before their next game, maybe two if you do not think the Charleston Southern Buccaneers will put up much of a fight in Week 6. After that, Clemson will host Virginia Tech in Death Valley with a chance to make up some ground in the ACC race. Hopefully, by that time, Clemson will have its revamped secondary in order.
What Swinney's plan of attack to counterbalance Gipson's season-ending injury tells us is that Clemson may be deeper in the secondary than we realized. Hanafin and Starr have played some thus far, with Strozier pushing for a bigger role with the team. While it stinks that Gipson's third season with the team is over and done with, Clemson could actually afford an injury to this major position group.
On a positive note, Tom Allen should now have even more versatility at his disposal in the secondary.
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