Dabo Swinney enters his 18th season at Clemson following a 7-6 overall and 4-4 ACC campaign in 2025, and the Tigers must replace key production on offense. Offensively, Chad Morris takes over as coordinator, while Christopher Vizzina returns at quarterback following Cade Klubnik’s departure for the NFL. Clemson must replace leading rusher Adam Randall following his departure for the NFL, while Gideon Davidson returns and SMU transfer Chris Johnson joins the backfield. At receiver, Clemson must replace Antonio Williams but returns six of its top eight players in receiving production from last season, including T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco, Tyler Brown, Cole Turner, and tight end Christian Bentancur. Up front, the offensive line returns Harris Sewell and Collin Sadler after each made nine starts last season, while Brayden Jacobs also returns after making four starts.

Tom Allen enters his second season as defensive coordinator. Clemson returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including three of its top five, giving the defense a steadier base. Leading tackler Sammy Brown returns at linebacker after recording 107 tackles and five sacks in 2025, while Jeremiah Alexander also returns at linebacker. Will Heldt returns along the defensive front, while Ronan Hanafin and Ashton Hampton return in the secondary. In addition, Penn State transfer Elliot Washington II, Old Dominion transfer Jerome Carter, and Southern Miss transfer Corey Myrick join the secondary.

Rich Bisaccia takes over as special teams coordinator after previously coaching with the Green Bay Packers. Nolan Hauser returns at placekicker, while Jack Smith returns at punter. Bryant Wesco returns with experience in the punt-return game, while Clemson will feature a new primary kickoff returner following Adam Randall’s departure. Tyler Brown and Gideon Davidson return with experience in the return game. With a new offensive coordinator and quarterback, Clemson enters 2026 while returning five of its top eleven tacklers on defense, giving the Tigers a mix of turnover and experience.