Clemson’s situation at kicker should be far different in 2024 than the year previous. Yes, it all worked out in the end but ideally the Tigers don’t have to call someone from off the roster to remedy the issue.

Robert Gunn III started the season opener, but his struggles led to Dabo Swinney’s call for aid to Jonathan Weitz. He took some time to find momentum before going perfect in the last two games and securing the perfect ending to a chaotic story.

Heading into 2024, Gunn is still on the roster but an early enrollee could be headed for the spot. There will be an inevitable competition, but the introduction of Nolan Hauser feels like it comes at the perfect time.

Dating back to Swinney’s comments at Signing Day, he praised Hauser and said the position “needs more competition.” That’s the difference now, and there’s a full offseason to find the answer.

“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,” Swinney said.

Those remarks make it very clear how the Tigers staff feels about Hauser. It took a year for BT Potter to earn the job during his career but it may be different for this incoming freshman.

The spring will have to tell, but all signs point to Hauser taking the starting job of his practice matches the hype from high school.