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The Clemson Tigers are coming off of a miserable 2025 campaign in which they went 7-6 and lost to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl in spite of entering the year with national championship aspirations.
What's more, Clemson also lost a chunk of key players in the NFL Draft, as the Tigers watched nine of their guys get selected this past April.
Among them was running back Adam Randall, the former wide receiver who ended up becoming a terrific halfback for Clemson last season.
So, what will the Tigers do about their backfield going into 2026?
Clemson did pluck former SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr. in the transfer portal, a low-key impressive move by Dabo Swinney.
But linebacker Sammy Brown has other ideas of who the team's top back will be this fall: Gideon Davidson.
"Gideon Davidson is a pro," Brown said during the ACC Kickoff. "He takes care of his business. Not only does he take care of his business, he goes above and beyond. He is in there on Saturday mornings getting extra work in, getting an extra lift in."
Clemson Tigers running back Gideon Davidson. Credit: USA TODAY Network.
Davidson carried the ball 60 times for 260 yards during his freshman season, adding 11 catches for 93 yards as the club's No. 2 rusher behind Randall.
The six-foot, 200-pound playmaker will be taking on a far more significant role during his sophomore campaign, and Brown feels he is more than ready for it.
"He really handles himself very well," Brown said. "I think he is due for a breakout season."
It will certainly be interesting to see how Swinney and offensive coordinator Chad Morris decide to handle touches between Davidson and Johnson.
Johnson was no slouch at SMU last season, registering 479 yards and four touchdowns while averaging a hefty 7.1 yards per carry. He also caught 17 passes for 180 yards and a score, demonstrating his versatility.
In fact, Johnson had one of his better games of the year against Clemson, toting the rock six times for 59 yards and a touchdown while also snaring four balls for 40 yards in a win over the Tigers in October.
Perhaps Clemson will be able to feature a two-headed monster in the backfield, but it is looking more and more like Davidson will be the featured rusher.
Clemson Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Clemson. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
What's more, Clemson also lost a chunk of key players in the NFL Draft, as the Tigers watched nine of their guys get selected this past April.
Among them was running back Adam Randall, the former wide receiver who ended up becoming a terrific halfback for Clemson last season.
So, what will the Tigers do about their backfield going into 2026?
Clemson did pluck former SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr. in the transfer portal, a low-key impressive move by Dabo Swinney.
But linebacker Sammy Brown has other ideas of who the team's top back will be this fall: Gideon Davidson.
"Gideon Davidson is a pro," Brown said during the ACC Kickoff. "He takes care of his business. Not only does he take care of his business, he goes above and beyond. He is in there on Saturday mornings getting extra work in, getting an extra lift in."
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Clemson Tigers running back Gideon Davidson. Credit: USA TODAY Network.
Davidson carried the ball 60 times for 260 yards during his freshman season, adding 11 catches for 93 yards as the club's No. 2 rusher behind Randall.
The six-foot, 200-pound playmaker will be taking on a far more significant role during his sophomore campaign, and Brown feels he is more than ready for it.
"He really handles himself very well," Brown said. "I think he is due for a breakout season."
It will certainly be interesting to see how Swinney and offensive coordinator Chad Morris decide to handle touches between Davidson and Johnson.
Johnson was no slouch at SMU last season, registering 479 yards and four touchdowns while averaging a hefty 7.1 yards per carry. He also caught 17 passes for 180 yards and a score, demonstrating his versatility.
In fact, Johnson had one of his better games of the year against Clemson, toting the rock six times for 59 yards and a touchdown while also snaring four balls for 40 yards in a win over the Tigers in October.
Perhaps Clemson will be able to feature a two-headed monster in the backfield, but it is looking more and more like Davidson will be the featured rusher.
Clemson Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Clemson. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
