The early story of Clemsonfootball’s 2026 freshman class is how many first-year Tigers are already working their way into the two-deep conversation.
Fall camp is not even a week old, yet young players are pushing for roles at several positions. Dabo Swinney has seen enough progress to believe the class could make its presence felt early.
“It is a good group,” Swinney said after Tuesday’s practice. “Most of them were here in January and they are progressing.”
Tait Reynolds has drawn the biggest spotlight because of his quarterback battle with Chris Vizzina, but Clemson’s freshmen are showing up throughout the roster. Wide receivers Gordon Sellers and Naeem Burroughs have earned attention, while safety Polo Anderson is also in the mix.
Grant Wise has taken plenty of second-team reps at center behind Harris Sewell. He joined Braden Wilmes, Carter Scruggs, Leo Delaney and Chance Barclay as early-enrollee offensive linemen. Summer arrival Adam Guthrie will miss the season while recovering from injury.
Cornerbacks Marcell Gipson and Shavar Young are competing in a veteran-heavy room. How much either one factors into the rotation immediately remains to be seen, but position coach Mike Reed has never been afraid to give talented freshmen an opportunity.
Defensive tackle Kam Cody is also trying to carve out a role while competing against a number of older players. Summer enrollee Brayden Reilly is the lone freshman linebacker, while tight end Tayveon Wilson is another newcomer getting acclimated after arriving during the summer.
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“Got some bright spots in there,” Swinney added. “A bunch of guys trying to find there way and go prove they can go do it at this level, too.”
There is still plenty of camp left before Clemson opens the season at LSU on Sept. 5, and not every freshman pushing for a role now will ultimately crack the rotation. Still, the number of newcomers already putting themselves in the conversation stands out.
For a class that has barely begun its first fall camp, several members are already making Clemson’s coaches consider just how quickly they might be able to help.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson’s freshman class is impressing Dabo Swinney early in fall camp