​My spring practice is done, and the Spring Transfer Portal is no longer a factor. Unless players depart the program as they did in the past, Clemson’s 2026 roster appears largely set. But beyond this year, the numbers game for 2027 also matters. The breakdown can help indicate who might be more likely to leave or stick around, especially as playing time evolves over 2026. We covered the offense earlier this week, and you can read that breakdown here.
DT: 10 players (1 RS Senior, 2 RS Juniors, 1 Junior, 3 RS Sophomores, 1 Sophomore, 1 RS Freshman, 1 Freshman). Clemson finally has depth at defensive tackle again, but the line has endured departures along the defensive line, making optimism cautious even if performance hasn’t always met expectations. Vic Burley and Amare Adams are the marquee names, though “recognizable” doesn’t automatically equal “dominant.” This could be a “DT by committee” year unless someone steps up and separates themselves. The upside is that everyone will get a real chance to earn snaps through hard work. There’s a lot riding on Oklahoma transfer Markus Strong, and we’ll see how that shakes out. Hopefully some struggles in the past stemmed from effort rather than a lack of talent.
DE: 8 players (2 RS Seniors, 1 Senior, 1 RS Sophomore, 1 Sophomore, 1 RS Freshman, 1 Freshman). This area is a concern. The optimism some bring to the defensive line may rest more on history than current reality, and the edge rusher group lacks depth and experience. Colorado transfer London Merritt is likely to anchor the other side, bringing potential from his year at Colorado. Translation: even if there’s some spark here, the lack of proven depth is troubling. If Heldt or Merritt were to miss time, the unit could crumble quickly. Clemson has historically performed best with a two-deep rotation and minimal drop-off; right now, achieving that consistency looks unlikely.
LB: 7 players (1 RS Senior, 1 RS Junior, 1 Junior, 2 RS Sophomores, 1 RS Freshman, 1 Freshman). There’s a solid blend of experience, and Sammy Brown is the focal point. There’s also a newcomer in the mix—Woodaz—and transfer Jeremiah Alexander, who joined in 2025, could play a substantial role. A versatile, productive group could emerge here, with room for contributions from multiple players.
CB: 8 players (1 RS Senior, 1 Senior, 1 RS Junior, 1 Junior, 1 RS Sophomore, 1 Sophomore, 2 Freshmen). This is shaping up to be a “trust the coaches” year in the secondary. There isn’t a stand-out shutdown corner in the mix, unlike some past seasons, so snaps will be earned across the board. The carryover here is a wide range of experience, providing both opportunities for young corners to grow and veterans to provide leadership and stability.
S: 10 players (1 RS Senior, 1 Senior, 2 RS Juniors, 2 Juniors, 1 RS Sophomore, 1 Sophomore, 1 RS Freshman, 1 Freshman). This position group was arguably the most disappointing last year. The talent is there, but development and consistency have lagged. The unit features a healthy mix of seasoned players and rising youngsters, with a couple of freshmen ready to contribute early. If the defense can cultivate better communication and play-making, this group could stabilize the back end and help offset other concerns.