The bracket is set, the bags are packed, and Clemson's faithful are bringing their "Littlejohn South" spirit to the Sunshine State. Coach Brad Brownell’s Tigers are dancing their way into the NCAA Tournament, fueled by grit, some impressive ACC upsets, and a tenacious defensive mindset.
Next up, they face the Iowa Hawkeyes in what promises to be more than just an 8-vs-9 matchup. It's a clash of generations and cultures at Benchmark International Stadium in Tampa. While Iowa has made its mark in the history books, this 2026 Clemson squad has been silencing doubters with consistent performances over the past five months.
Battle-Tested and Ready
Clemson (24-10) arrives in Florida with confidence and resilience. Their journey through the ACC Tournament showcased their potential, highlighted by a thrilling victory over North Carolina and a hard-fought battle against the Duke Blue Devils in the final.
This team has faced a rigorous schedule, including a challenging February stretch, but they've proven they can rise to the occasion. From an overtime thriller in Georgia to a perfect 3-0 record in the Palmetto Series against South Carolina, these Tigers know how to perform under pressure.
Defense vs. High Volume
Clemson will have to contain Iowa’s experienced guard Bennett Stirtz, who brings an impressive scoring average of nearly 20.2 points per game. Despite a late slip in the Big Ten Tournament against Ohio State, Stirtz remains a formidable perimeter threat.
Clemson counters with a balanced, physical approach. RJ Godfrey leads the charge for the Tigers, stepping up after the unfortunate loss of Carter Welling to a torn ACL.
Jestin Porter Jr. (9.6 PPG) has also been crucial, providing additional scoring power.
It's all about the "next man up" mentality for Clemson this season.
Game Day Details
For those unable to join the orange and white faithful in Tampa, here’s how to catch the action:
Time: 6:50 p.m. ET
TV Channel: TNT
Broadcast Team: Tom McCarthy, Candace Parker, Dan Bonner (Commentary); AJ Ross (Sideline)
Betting Insights
Vegas anticipates a close contest, with the Hawkeyes favored by a slim margin.
Spread: Iowa by 2 1/2
Over/Under: 129 1/2
Prediction: Clemson 78, Iowa 72
The Tigers have thrived as underdogs before, and they’re ready to do it again. Grab your orange gear, find a screen, and prepare for the excitement. It’s March Madness, and the Tigers are hungry for victory.