Clemson Gymnastics Eyes Breakthrough Against Ranked North Carolina
Clemson gymnastics is still writing the opening chapters of its program history, and Friday night’s meet could be a defining moment. The No.
16 Tigers (1-3, 0-2 ACC) are set to host No. 12 North Carolina (3-2, 1-1 ACC) at Littlejohn Coliseum, with the first routine scheduled for 7 p.m.
ET on ACC Network Extra.
This matchup marks a big opportunity for Clemson to notch its first win over a ranked opponent this season. After opening the year with a solid 196.150-193.550 victory over Towson on Jan. 4, the Tigers have faced a tough stretch, dropping meets to Alabama, NC State, and Stanford - all ranked squads.
But this isn’t just another meet. It’s a chance for Clemson to prove it can hang with the sport’s established programs, and it’s happening on home turf.
Building a Foundation - Fast
It’s easy to forget Clemson gymnastics is still in its infancy. The program launched in 2024 and is now in its second season - but already, the Tigers are making waves. This year also marks the debut of co-head coaches Justin Howell and Liz Crandall-Howell, who took over in May 2025 following the departure of inaugural head coach Amy Smith.
The Howells bring a wealth of experience and a clear vision, and while the record may not reflect it just yet, the trajectory is promising. The team has shown flashes of high-level execution, and Friday’s meet will be another test of how quickly this young program can grow into a contender.
A Rivalry in the Making?
Clemson holds a 3-2 edge in the all-time series against North Carolina, and while that history spans multiple sports and eras, the gymnastics rivalry is just getting started. The Tar Heels, fresh off a 196.525-195.350 win over Pitt on Jan. 23, come in with momentum and a stacked lineup.
UNC currently ranks in the top 15 nationally in four different events: vault (No. 7), floor (No. 10), all-around (No. 12), and beam (No. 14). That kind of across-the-board strength makes them a serious challenge, especially for a Clemson squad still finding consistency meet to meet.
But the Tigers have talent of their own - and they’ll need to be sharp in every rotation to keep pace. If they can hit their routines and feed off the home crowd, this could be a signature moment in the program’s young history.
What to Know
Clemson vs. North Carolina Meet Info
📅 Date: Friday, Jan. 30
🕖 Time: 7 p.m. ET
📍 Location: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, South Carolina
📺 Watch: ACC Network Extra
What’s Next for Clemson
Here’s a look at the Tigers’ next five meets as they continue their inaugural ACC campaign:
- Feb. 7 vs. Cal - 6 p.m.
ET (ACC Network)
- Feb. 15 at Pitt - 4 p.m.
ET (ACC Network)
- **Feb. 20 vs.
Pitt** - 7 p.m. ET
- Mar. 6 at Michigan - 7 p.m. ET
- Mar. 8 vs. Auburn, Georgia, and Pitt in Huntsville, Alabama - 4 p.m.
ET (ACC Network)
North Carolina’s Road Ahead
The Tar Heels, sitting at 3-2, have their own gauntlet of matchups coming up, and Friday night’s ACC clash is just the beginning of a critical stretch.
Clemson may be the new kid on the block, but the Tigers aren’t shying away from the spotlight. Against a seasoned North Carolina squad, they’ll have the chance to show just how quickly they’re growing - and maybe even pull off their first ranked win in program history.