Clemson Tigers Football Program Faces Crucial Late-Spring Decisions Ahead of Summer Workouts and Fall Camp Developmental Benchmarks
Clemson football heads into the final stretch of spring with a host of questions, emerging strengths, and developmental battles still unfolding. As the Tigers wrap up their late-spring evaluations, head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff are intensely focused on sharpening the roster, identifying breakout players, and managing the ever-changing college football landscape — especially the transfer portal. The energy is focused, but the pressure is real. The 2025 season looms with expectations to rebound from recent shortcomings and reassert Clemson’s place among the nation’s elite programs.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik enters the summer as the unquestioned starter, but the scrutiny remains. Throughout spring practices, Klubnik has demonstrated improved poise in the pocket, quicker decision-making, and better chemistry with a maturing wide receiver group. The offense, under the continued guidance of coordinator Garrett Riley, is showing signs of evolution. Still, consistency remains a concern. Klubnik’s development from a physically gifted passer into a true field general will be pivotal if Clemson wants to challenge for an ACC title and beyond.
The Tigers’ offensive line remains a work in progress. Injuries and competition have shuffled the unit throughout the spring, but there’s a sense that the coaching staff is close to solidifying a starting five. Depth remains a question mark, especially on the interior. However, rising sophomore Harris Sewell and junior Tristan Leigh have impressed and seem ready to anchor the unit. If this group gels, it could unlock a more explosive and balanced attack — something Clemson desperately needs after an up-and-down offensive campaign last season.
Clemson’s backfield is one of the most stable parts of the offense. Phil Mafah’s return gives the Tigers a bruising, downhill runner capable of wearing down defenses. Sophomore Jay Haynes is the dynamic counterpunch, adding speed and versatility to the mix. The staff has also used the spring to explore ways of involving the running backs more in the passing game — a tweak that could help Klubnik find rhythm early in contests and slow down aggressive defenses.
Wide receiver remains a hot topic. Clemson has talent, but it hasn’t always translated to production. This spring, a few key developments have offered hope. Adam Randall has finally looked healthy and explosive, while true freshman Bryant Wesco has lived up to the hype, flashing elite route-running and strong hands. Tyler Brown continues to be a reliable target out of the slot. Clemson doesn’t necessarily need a return to the DeAndre Hopkins/Sammy Watkins era, but this group must step up in the red zone and on third down — two areas that stalled drives far too often last season.
The defensive side of the ball looks characteristically strong, though there are questions in the secondary. Up front, Clemson’s defensive line is deep and physical. Peter Woods is a monster in the middle, and his motor sets the tone for a unit that should be one of the best in the country. T.J. Parker continues to emerge as a top-end pass rusher, and the rotation features size, speed, and experience. If this group stays healthy, opposing quarterbacks are in for long Saturdays.
Linebacker Barrett Carter anchors the middle of the defense with All-American potential. His ability to fly sideline to sideline and diagnose plays gives coordinator Wes Goodwin a chess piece that few teams can match. The coaching staff used the spring to evaluate potential pairings with Carter and found promise in younger players like Wade Woodaz and Jamal Anderson, who seem ready to take on more substantial roles.
The cornerback position might be the biggest concern heading into the summer. Nate Wiggins’ departure to the NFL left a significant hole, and the Tigers are still working through combinations that provide both coverage ability and tackling reliability. Jeadyn Lukus and Avieon Terrell have flashed, but neither has locked down the role with complete confidence. The safety group is a bit more stable with Andrew Mukuba leading the way, but depth and communication in the secondary will be tested early in the season, particularly against non-conference opponents who like to stretch the field.
Special teams is another area under close inspection. Spring work on kick coverage and punt return responsibilities revealed some ongoing issues with lane discipline and decision-making. The Tigers have talent, but miscues in this phase can swing momentum quickly. New faces have been auditioned at return spots, and while no definitive answers have emerged, there’s optimism that clarity will come during summer workouts.
In the larger picture, Swinney’s philosophical approach continues to stir debate among Clemson fans and national pundits. He remains staunchly committed to his program’s developmental model, favoring homegrown talent over aggressive portal pursuits. That approach saw modest tweaks this spring, as Clemson became more active in the portal than in recent years, targeting depth pieces rather than headline additions. Still, Clemson lags behind programs like Florida State and LSU in terms of transfer portal utilization. Whether that gap proves consequential in 2025 remains to be seen.
Clemson’s recruiting strategy has also taken shape this spring. The Tigers have ramped up their efforts in key southern states, and several visits from high-profile 2025 and 2026 recruits injected buzz into spring practices. Swinney’s staff remains focused on finding high-character, scheme-fit players over flashy rankings, and the results are beginning to show with a few notable commitments. However, closing power in the summer will be critical to solidifying a class that can keep pace with the SEC-heavy powers that are becoming increasingly aggressive on the recruiting trail.
As the program transitions from spring into summer, strength and conditioning becomes paramount. Clemson’s staff has emphasized speed and flexibility in their latest offseason regimen, hoping to cut down on soft-tissue injuries and improve play late in games. Position-specific metrics have become part of the daily grind, with a goal of improving reaction time, lower-body explosiveness, and sustained endurance. How well the team responds to this physical demand could be the difference in tight contests this fall.
Leadership has also been a central theme in the late-spring phase. Swinney challenged veterans to take ownership of the locker room, particularly in light of last year’s mid-season inconsistency. Klubnik, Carter, Mafah, and Woods have embraced the challenge, according to team insiders, and younger players are reportedly responding positively. This internal accountability could be the secret weapon for a program aiming to avoid a second straight season of playoff exclusion.
One underrated storyline is the development of Clemson’s tight ends. Jake Briningstool remains the go-to option, but the spring has seen increased reps for younger players like Josh Sapp, who has emerged as a reliable blocker and intermediate route runner. Expect more two-tight end sets in the fall as Clemson looks to vary its looks and add protection for Klubnik on deep throws. These formations could also help in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios where the Tigers struggled last season.
Finally, the schedule offers both opportunities and challenges. Clemson opens with a manageable stretch, but mid-season road games and a rivalry clash with South Carolina provide serious tests. Florida State looms large, and the Tigers know they’ll have to win that matchup to retake control of the ACC. Every detail between now and August matters — from weight room sessions to film study and walk-through precision.
In sum, Clemson’s late-spring lowdown reveals a team in transition, but not in turmoil. There’s plenty of talent, leadership, and institutional stability — but execution and urgency must follow. The Tigers’ margin for error in 2025 is slim, but their ceiling remains high. With summer on the horizon, the next 100 days could define their season.
