2026 Clemson University Depth Chart

Clemson’s fantasy outlook for 2026 prioritizes upside talent stepping into bigger roles. Former five-star QB Christopher Vizzina has patiently waited and now inherits the offense, offering dual-threat upside and firm job security (the Tigers didn’t chase a portal QB). At running back, sophomore Gideon Davidson projects as the lead option – his vision and pedigree stand out with no entrenched veteran ahead. The Tigers did add blazing-fast SMU transfer Chris Johnson Jr. to complement Davidson, signaling a likely committee rather than a true workhorse back. Davidson’s all-around game and likely touch advantage give him the edge, while Johnson’s track-star speed (clocked 22.3 mph) makes him a home-run threat in space. Power back David Eziomume rounds out the backfield, but his fantasy ceiling is capped unless injuries hit, as Clemson will rotate backs under Chad Morris’ up-tempo scheme.

Kevin Jennings returns as one of the ACC’s most experienced signal-callers with nearly 8,000 career passing yards. After throwing for 3,363 yards and 26 touchdowns at a 66.1% completion rate in 2025, Jennings anchors an offense that must replace virtually every other skill-position starter. Preston Stone transferred to Northwestern, Tyler Van Dyke transitioned to an offensive assistant coaching role, and Keldric Luster entered the portal, leaving four-star early enrollee Ty Hawkins as the clear QB2 with veteran Charlie Fiser providing emergency depth. The quarterback position is stable at the top but paper-thin behind Jennings.

The skill position overhaul is dramatic. Brashard Smith (1,332 rushing yards, drafted by the Chiefs), Jordan Hudson (766 receiving yards, NFL Draft), Moochie Dixon (UDFA Saints), and RJ Maryland (NFL Draft) are all gone, along with all three leading tight ends from 2025. SMU responded aggressively in the portal, landing running back Kendrick Raphael from Cal as the headliner after he eclipsed 1,100 yards of total offense. Derrick McFall returns as a pass-catching complement, and four-star freshman Christian Rhodes adds explosive upside after back-to-back 1,000-yard high school seasons. At receiver, Yannick Smith arrives from ECU with 1,017 career yards and eight touchdowns, while former Alabama five-star Jalen Hale could finally unlock his potential in Rhett Lashlee’s spread system. James Madison transfer Yamir Knight provides veteran depth. The tight end room restocked with Randy Pittman Jr. from Florida State and Theo Melin Ohrstrom from Texas A&M, while FCS All-American kicker Nick Reed arrives from New Hampshire to replace Collin Rogers.

For dynasty purposes, SMU remains a high-octane ACC passing attack built around Jennings’ arm. Kendrick Raphael could emerge as a fantasy-relevant RB given the scheme’s propensity for explosive plays and his bell-cow potential. Yannick Smith has the most proven production among the receivers, but Jalen Hale carries the highest ceiling as a former five-star talent who could thrive with consistent targets. The massive roster turnover creates volatility, but Jennings’ experience and Lashlee’s offensive system provide a high floor for this unit’s overall fantasy output.