Inside Look: Clemson Spring Football Practice Reveals Key Insights Ahead of 2025 Season
As spring football practice winds down, Clemson fans are hungry for answers about what their team might look like when the 2025 season kicks off. The Tigers are coming off a transitional season that fell short of their typical College Football Playoff standard, but this spring has brought a different energy to the program. Today, we’re diving deep into what we’ve observed and heard during spring practice — from rising stars to schematic shifts, leadership development to lingering question marks. It’s not just about who’s making highlight-reel plays; it’s about tone, tempo, and trajectory. Here’s what’s happening in Tiger Town.
The first thing that jumps out is the intensity — and not just in the way players fly around during scrimmage periods. Head coach Dabo Swinney has always emphasized competition and effort, but this spring feels especially urgent. With several key positions up for grabs, the battles have been fierce and ongoing. That tone was set early and has only ramped up with each practice. Clemson’s coaching staff is letting everyone know that last year’s inconsistencies will not be tolerated in 2025.
All eyes naturally fall on the quarterback position, and for good reason. Cade Klubnik returns as the presumed starter, but the presence of freshman Christopher Vizzina and sophomore Trent Pearman has sparked legitimate competition. Klubnik has shown noticeable growth in his decision-making and accuracy. He’s more vocal, more confident, and more in command of the offense. But Vizzina has impressed observers with his poise and arm strength, threading passes into tight windows and showing the kind of upside that could push for playing time. Coaches have been careful not to crown anyone just yet, but Klubnik’s control of the offense remains strong — for now.
Speaking of offense, new wrinkles are beginning to emerge under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. After a full season to install his system, Riley seems more comfortable tailoring his scheme to Clemson’s personnel. Expect more tempo and a greater emphasis on pre-snap motion — both of which have been heavily drilled this spring. There’s also been a clear focus on spreading the ball around, getting playmakers into space, and using multiple running backs in creative ways. The days of relying on a single bell-cow back may be over in Clemson. Instead, a committee approach featuring Phil Mafah, Jay Haynes, and redshirt freshman Jarvis Green looks increasingly likely.
Haynes, in particular, has turned heads this spring. His speed and agility make him a nightmare in the open field, and he’s improved as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He could be the lightning to Mafah’s thunder. The coaching staff has even experimented with lining Haynes up in the slot on certain plays — a potential mismatch nightmare for linebackers in coverage. If this continues, expect Haynes to become one of the breakout stars of the fall.
The wide receiver room remains one of the most scrutinized groups on the team. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the unit in recent years, but this spring has provided some optimism. Beaux Collins has had a strong camp, showing off sharp route-running and improved chemistry with Klubnik. Antonio Williams, when healthy, has looked electric. Freshman Bryant Wesco is another name to watch — the early enrollee has wasted no time making his presence felt with a combination of physicality and polish rarely seen in a player his age. With a few more months in the system, Wesco could push for immediate playing time.
Tight end Jake Briningstool continues to be a reliable target over the middle, and Clemson is toying with sets that feature two tight ends, something that could add flexibility to Riley’s attack. Briningstool’s ability to stretch the field vertically gives this offense a unique dimension when defenses try to load up the box.
On the defensive side of the ball, the headline is speed. Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has emphasized quicker reads and aggressive pursuit, and it’s showing up in practice. The defensive line looks the part, even with some turnover. Peter Woods and Caden Story have been menacing up front, and Rueben Bain’s quickness off the edge continues to cause problems for offensive tackles. Even with the departure of big names, there is no drop-off in intensity or ability on the line. Depth is also emerging, with names like Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green flashing regularly.
The linebackers, anchored by Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz, continue to be a strength. Carter, in particular, looks like a player on a mission. He’s leaner, quicker, and more vocal — everything you want from a defensive leader. Woodaz has also taken a leap, showing improved coverage ability and a better grasp of the defense. Together, they give Clemson one of the most versatile linebacker tandems in the ACC.
Perhaps the biggest storyline defensively, though, is the secondary. After being a mixed bag last year, the group is showing signs of cohesion and confidence. Safety Khalil Barnes is the vocal leader, and his play has backed it up. He’s been flying to the football and looks more comfortable in his role. Transfer cornerback Tavoy Feagin has fit in seamlessly and gives Clemson another physical option on the outside. Meanwhile, rising sophomore Shelton Lewis has taken advantage of every rep, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike for his awareness and ball skills.
There’s also a renewed focus on turnovers. Every defensive period ends with coaches tracking strip attempts, tipped passes, and takeaways. The message is clear: this defense is expected to be aggressive and opportunistic.
Special teams, while often overlooked, have also seen key developments. The competition at kicker has been closely monitored, with Robert Gunn III showing better consistency. The return game has featured multiple players rotating in, including Haynes and Williams, as coaches look for someone who can flip the field and bring explosive potential to the third phase of the game.
Leadership has been a quiet but powerful theme this spring. Swinney’s teams have always relied on internal accountability, and this group is finding its voice. Klubnik, Carter, and Barnes have all stepped into leadership roles, but even younger players are being challenged to speak up and lead by example. That includes players like Wesco, Haynes, and Vizzina — all of whom have shown maturity beyond their years. It’s part of Swinney’s broader push to reestablish the cultural edge that made Clemson elite in the past decade.
One interesting subplot has been the energy around the program itself. There’s been a noticeable increase in intensity from the assistant coaches, more interaction during individual drills, and a heavier emphasis on correcting mistakes in real time. It’s not that Clemson was ever lax, but this spring feels more deliberate, more focused, and frankly more urgent. There’s a sense that everyone — players and staff alike — knows the standard and is working to get back to it.
Injuries have been minimal, and while a few players are being held out for precautionary reasons, the overall health of the roster is good. That’s allowed for more continuity in practice reps and has accelerated the development of younger players.
So what’s the big takeaway? Clemson isn’t just going through the motions this spring. This is a team that’s trying to recapture its championship identity, brick by brick. From improved quarterback play and offensive creativity to a defense with teeth and emerging leaders, there’s a lot to like. But none of it guarantees success in the fall. The Tigers still need to prove it against top-tier competition. They still need to develop consistency, especially on offense. And they still need to stay healthy.
But make no mistake — this is not a team content to coast on reputation. If anything, that reputation has become a challenge to live up to. And judging by what we’ve seen and heard throughout spring, this Clemson team is ready to meet it head-on. The path to the ACC title — and perhaps even more — begins now. And Clemson is lacing up its cleats with purpose
