Clemson Reveals ACC Tournament Rotation: Freshman Aidan Knaak to Start Wednesday, Titsworth and Bell Lined Up for Potential Run.

As the Clemson Tigers prepare for a critical postseason stretch, head coach Erik Bakich has laid out a clear pitching plan for the 2025 ACC Baseball Tournament. In a Monday evening appearance on SportsTalk, Bakich confirmed that freshman ace Aidan Knaak will take the mound in Wednesday’s opener against Virginia Tech. If Clemson advances, right-hander Drew Titsworth is slated to start Thursday’s game, provided he’s not used out of the bullpen in the opener. Another highly-touted freshman, Talan Bell, could be in line to start a third game if needed later in the week.

For a program with postseason aspirations and a proud tradition, Bakich’s announcement provides both clarity and intrigue. The Tigers are leaning on young, electric arms to navigate what could be a grueling, multi-day challenge in Charlotte, where every pitch could mean the difference between a conference championship and an early exit.

When Clemson takes the field on Wednesday, the ball will be in the hands of Aidan Knaak, a freshman whose performance has defied his age and experience level all season. Bakich’s decision to start Knaak in such a high-stakes setting is a testament to the 6-foot-1 right-hander’s poise, command, and ability to deliver in big moments.

Knaak enters the ACC Tournament with a 6-1 record, a 3.08 ERA, and an impressive 78 strikeouts over 70 innings pitched. His fastball-changeup combination has baffled hitters, and his ability to limit walks has made him one of the most reliable starters in Clemson’s rotation.

“Aidan’s been rock-solid for us all season,” Bakich said. “He competes, he executes, and he thrives under pressure. We believe in him.”

Wednesday’s opener is pivotal—not only because it’s a chance to advance in the ACC Tournament but also because it may shape Clemson’s national seeding in the NCAA Tournament. A strong showing could elevate the Tigers into regional hosting discussions.

If the Tigers manage to win their opener, the plan is to turn to junior right-hander Drew Titsworth on Thursday. That’s assuming, of course, he isn’t needed out of the bullpen against Virginia Tech. Titsworth has been a versatile weapon for Clemson all season, capable of starting or coming in for long relief.

Titsworth has posted a 4.21 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. While not overpowering, his ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off balance has made him a valuable asset.

“Drew’s experience gives us a lot of confidence,” Bakich said. “He knows how to navigate tough lineups and has a calm presence on the mound. If we don’t need him Wednesday, he’ll start Thursday. If we do, we adjust.”

That flexibility could prove critical in a tournament setting, where weather delays, bullpen usage, and extra innings often throw rotations into chaos. Bakich’s methodical approach, however, gives the Tigers a solid foundation.

Perhaps the most exciting piece of the rotation puzzle is freshman left-hander Talan Bell. A prized recruit who turned down professional opportunities to pitch in college, Bell has flashed dominant stuff in his limited innings this season. He’s primarily worked out of the bullpen but has shown starter potential with a 2.89 ERA and a fastball that touches 95 mph.

“If we make a deep run and Talan’s fresh, he’s a guy we’d love to see start a game,” Bakich said. “He’s got big-league talent. We’ve managed his workload carefully, but he’s more than capable of stepping up.”

Bell’s role may ultimately depend on how the first two games unfold. If Clemson gets into a Friday or Saturday matchup and Bell hasn’t been used, he could become the Tigers’ secret weapon. A lefty with swing-and-miss stuff is always dangerous in tournament play, especially against teams that haven’t seen him before.

Clemson’s decision to go with a youth-driven rotation says a lot about the program’s future—and its present. In a league as competitive as the ACC, relying on underclassmen in pressure situations could backfire. But in Clemson’s case, it reflects the confidence Bakich has in his team’s preparation and maturity.

“This is why we recruit these guys,” he said. “We don’t wait two or three years for them to contribute. We prepare them to win now.”

The ACC Tournament serves as a proving ground—not just for Clemson’s postseason seeding, but for the young arms who could carry the Tigers deep into June. A strong showing could solidify Knaak and Bell as future Friday-Saturday starters for years to come. It could also boost Clemson’s résumé for NCAA Tournament hosting rights.

The Tigers (38–16, 17–13 ACC) enter the ACC Tournament on solid footing, but not without room to grow. Ranked inside the top 15 in most national polls, Clemson’s season has been highlighted by series wins over NC State, Miami, and Georgia Tech. But consistency has eluded them at times, especially on the mound. That’s why this rotation announcement is so important—it’s a declaration of identity.

While Knaak, Titsworth, and Bell headline the rotation, Bakich emphasized that tournament success requires more than just three arms.

“Our bullpen is going to play a huge role,” he said. “We’ve got guys like Tristan Smith, Robert Hogan, and Ethan Darden who can give us big innings. This isn’t just about three starters. It’s about 6–8 guys stepping up.”

That depth will be tested, especially if the Tigers end up in a high-scoring game or extra-inning battle. The coaching staff has built its strategy around matchups, flexibility, and quick decision-making. Don’t be surprised to see early pitching changes or creative bullpen usage as the games tighten.

While pitching is the focus heading into the tournament, Clemson’s offense has quietly been one of the ACC’s most balanced. Blake Wright (.326, 13 HR), Cam Cannarella (.314, 18 doubles), and Jacob Jarrell (.308, 11 HR) have provided a steady mix of power and contact. That run support will be essential if the Tigers want to win multiple games in Charlotte.

Clemson’s defense, too, has been among the best in the ACC, committing just 39 errors all season—a testament to infield leadership and outfield communication.

“We play clean baseball, and that’s going to help our pitchers,” Bakich said. “When you’re confident your defense will make plays behind you, it allows you to attack the zone.”

For Clemson, the ACC Tournament is more than just a shot at conference hardware. It’s a final statement before Selection Monday. Currently projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament by most analysts, a strong showing this week could elevate the Tigers into a top-16 national seed, giving them the opportunity to host a regional at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

That would be a significant advantage. Clemson is 25–4 at home this season, feeding off one of the most passionate fanbases in college baseball.

“We’d love to bring postseason baseball back to Clemson,” Bakich said. “But we’ve got to earn it this week.”

The Tigers haven’t won the ACC Tournament since 2016. A deep run this year, powered by freshmen arms and a veteran lineup, could mark the beginning of a new era under Bakich, who’s in his second season at the helm after replacing longtime head coach Monte Lee.

The players have bought into Bakich’s vision, and the mood around the clubhouse is one of determination and quiet confidence.

“We know what’s in front of us,” said Knaak after practice Monday. “It’s tournament time. This is what we work for. I’m excited to get the ball and give us a chance to win.”

Titsworth echoed that sentiment. “Whether I start or come in relief, I’ll be ready. That’s been my role all year—be ready whenever my number’s called.”

For Bell, the chance to start a game in the ACC Tournament would be a dream realized. “I’ve been waiting for this moment. If they call my name, I’ll be ready to shove.”

Clemson’s approach to this year’s ACC Tournament—anchored by a fearless freshman in Knaak, a steady veteran in Titsworth, and a potential breakout arm in Bell—is as bold as it is calculated. Coach Erik Bakich is betting on talent, depth, and the intangibles that have quietly built this team into a postseason threat.

The Tigers don’t just want to win a few games in Charlotte. They want to raise the trophy—and then keep the momentum going into June. With a young rotation full of upside and a lineup capable of scoring in bunches, Clemson might just have the recipe for a run to remember.

All eyes now turn to Wednesday. The stage is set. The arms are ready. And Clemson’s postseason journey is officially underway.