Brad Brownell’s latest injury update gave Clemson a clearer picture of where two important pieces stand, and the news tilts in opposite directions for the Tigers.
Sophomore guard Zac Foster appears to be the first one back. Brownell said Foster “just recently got back and [is] starting practicing a little bit.” Foster tore his ACL last fall, and that timeline points to a return coming sooner rather than later.
Senior forward Carter Welling, though, is further behind. Brownell said he is “a couple months away” after tearing his ACL in March, which leaves his comeback much less certain for the near term. Could Welling be ready in time come January?
The timing matters because both players were meaningful contributors last season. Foster, out of Woodward Academy in Atlanta, averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game as a freshman.
He appeared in only 12 games, but he made an impression every time he was on the floor. Welling, a Utah Valley transfer, put up 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game across 32 games for Clemson.
The backcourt picture gets a little more encouraging if Foster is back during the non-conference portion of the schedule. Clemson could use the extra ball-handling, especially with Ace Buckner likely carrying a heavy load and Notre Dame transfer Cole Certa beside him. With Dillon Hunter’s status still unsettled, Harris Reynolds may also need to give the Tigers minutes early.
That uncertainty makes Foster’s recovery even more valuable. If Hunter is cleared for a fifth season, Clemson gains another option. If not, Reynolds will be asked to step in.
Welling’s absence is the tougher problem. He was a major part of Clemson’s frontcourt production a year ago, and RJ Godfrey is no longer with the program. With Hunter also ineligible while trying to suit up for Tommy Lloyd’s Arizona Wildcats, Clemson’s front line may have to lean on Dylan Faulkner and David Fuchs to start the season.
The expectation now is that Foster should be back in Clemson’s rotation before the end of 2026. Welling’s return could be closer to January or February, and any appearance before ACC play begins would be a bonus. Foster, meanwhile, will need to be back in rhythm well before Welling is ready.
If Clemson can stay healthy over the first few months, the Tigers should be able to weather it.
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