CLEMSON – The 2023 season was full of drama and storylines, and one of the biggest ones was the chaos at kicker over the first month. That should change for the future of the Tigers.

Enter Nolan Hauser, Clemson’s 2024 signee at kicker and the national record holder for field goals made in a high school career. He was the standout at Hough, and he fits all the billings of an elite prospect at kicker.

Head coach Dabo Swinney spoke highly of Hauser during his Early Signing Day presser, and made a bold claim about the new Tigers kicker.

“He’s the best kicker in the country. He’s kicked more field goals I think than that anybody ever I think he broke the all time high school record, maybe about halfway through the season this year. But you know, Hauser, he’s an athlete, he comes from an athletic family, obviously, his mom and dad were both athletes here at Clemson,” Swinney said.

The lineage of family success as a Tiger can continue as Hauser arrives on campus. With a glaring need at kicker, he brings a bit of clarity at the position.

Swinney made it clear that the position needs to “get better and have some competition.” Hauser provides that, and he also brings a level of leadership to the room that may surprise you, but it was obvious around the other members of the 2024 class.

“He’s a leader, it’s been really fun to watch, you know, this class and how they interact these kids all get to know each other really well before they ever get here and he’s a leader in that group,” Swinney said.

When Hauser rolls out as a Clemson kicker, the expectations will be high because he earned that right. He very well could see the starting job early and a competition will ensue this off-season.