As Clemson steps into the offseason and turns its focus to 2026, the Tigers’ roster is starting to take shape - and it’s a big one. With the NCAA lifting the long-standing 85-scholarship cap and moving to a 105-man roster model that blends scholarship and walk-on players, Dabo Swinney and his staff have been busy reloading for what’s shaping up to be a pivotal season that opens against LSU in Baton Rouge.
Clemson saw a significant turnover from the 2025 squad, losing 30 scholarship players to graduation, the NFL Draft, and the transfer portal. But the Tigers didn’t sit idle - they brought in 30 new scholarship players through a combination of high school recruiting and transfer additions, keeping the numbers balanced and the depth chart full.
As it stands, Clemson is carrying 86 scholarship players heading into 2026 - 39 on offense and 47 on defense. Let’s break down the scholarship chart by position and take a closer look at the personnel Dabo will be working with next season.
Quarterbacks (4)
The quarterback room features four names, headlined by redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina, who brings experience and time in the system. Behind him, redshirt freshman Chris Denson looks to continue developing, while true freshmen Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley add fresh talent and depth to a position group that will be under the microscope heading into a high-profile opener.
Running Backs (5)
Clemson’s backfield is deep and experienced. Sophomore Gideon Davidson leads a group that includes a trio of redshirt juniors - **Chris Johnson Jr.
**, Jay Haynes, and Jarvis Green - all of whom have seen meaningful snaps. Redshirt sophomore David Eziomume adds another versatile option to a unit that should offer both power and explosiveness.
Wide Receivers (8)
The Tigers’ receiving corps is a blend of returning production and young upside. Juniors Bryant Wesco Jr. and **T.J.
Moore** headline the group, while redshirt junior Tyler Brown and Cole Turner bring veteran presence. Redshirt freshman Juju Preston and three true freshmen - Naeem Burroughs, Connor Salmin, and Gordon Sellars - round out a unit that could see some shake-up depending on who emerges in spring ball.
Tight Ends (4)
Veteran Olsen Patt-Henry returns for his senior season, anchoring a tight end room that also includes redshirt sophomore Christian Bentancur, redshirt freshman Logan Brooking, and freshman Tayveon Wilson. With a mix of size, athleticism, and experience, this group could be a quiet strength in Clemson’s offensive scheme.
Offensive Line (18)
This is where Clemson has built serious depth. The Tigers have 18 scholarship offensive linemen, giving them flexibility and competition across the board.
Redshirt seniors Collin Sadler and Dietrick Pennington, along with senior Harris Sewell, bring leadership and starting experience. The underclassmen - including redshirt sophomores Elyjah Thurmon, Ian Reed, and Watson Young - are pushing for bigger roles, while a wave of freshmen like Chancellor Barclay, Grant Wise, and Carter Scruggs will look to develop under the radar.
Defensive Ends (8)
Up front, Clemson’s defensive end group is loaded with talent and potential. Senior Will Heldt and redshirt senior Jahiem Lawson lead the way, with redshirt sophomore Darien Mayo and redshirt freshman Ari Watford expected to take big steps forward. True freshmen JR Hardrick and Michael Foster add fresh legs, while redshirt senior CJ Wesley and sophomore London Merritt round out a group that should be disruptive off the edge.
Defensive Tackles (9)
Clemson’s interior line boasts nine scholarship players, giving defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin plenty of options. Redshirt juniors Vic Burley and Markus Strong, redshirt sophomore Hevin Brown-Shuler, and sophomore Amare Adams all bring experience. Add in promising names like Champ Thompson, Makhi Williams Lee, and freshman Kameron Cody, and you’ve got a unit with both depth and upside.
Linebackers (8)
The linebacker room combines proven veterans with rising talent. Redshirt senior Kobe McCloud and junior Sammy Brown are poised to lead the way, while redshirt sophomores Drew Woodaz and **C.J.
Kubah-Taylor** continue to grow into bigger roles. Redshirt senior Jeremiah Alexander, redshirt freshman Logan Anderson, freshman Brayden Reilly, and redshirt sophomore Luke Ferrelli round out a group that will be key to the Tigers’ defensive identity.
Cornerbacks (9)
This secondary is deep and versatile. Redshirt junior Branden Strozier and redshirt senior Myles Oliver bring experience, while redshirt sophomores Corian Gipson and Misun Kelley continue to develop. Junior Ashton Hampton and senior Elliot Washington II add more veteran presence, while freshmen Shavar Young Jr. and Marcell Gipson, along with redshirt freshman Donovan Starr, give the group a strong mix of youth and depth.
Safeties (9)
Safety is another position where Clemson is stacked. Senior Ronan Hanafin and redshirt senior Kylon Griffin provide leadership, while redshirt sophomores Noah Dixon and Joe Wilkinson are entering key developmental years. Redshirt freshman Jakarrion Kenan, junior Kylen Webb, and junior Corey Myrick add to the mix, with freshmen Kentavion Anderson and Jerome Carter III rounding out a unit that should be able to rotate and stay fresh.
Specialists (4)
Special teams are often overlooked - but not here. Redshirt seniors Jack Smith and Robert Gunn III bring stability, while junior Nolan Hauser and freshman Jackson Reach offer fresh legs and competition. Whether it’s punting, placekicking, or kickoffs, Clemson has the tools to be solid in the third phase.
Final Thoughts
Clemson’s 2026 roster is deep, balanced, and built with a clear eye on both the present and the future. With 86 scholarship players on board, the Tigers are well-equipped to navigate the grind of a full season - and it all starts with a marquee matchup in Baton Rouge.
From the trenches to the secondary, there’s talent at every level. The question now is: who’s ready to step up and lead the next chapter of Clemson football?