There’s a lot that Clemson football’s success will hinge on during the 2024 season. Returning a lot of key talent while also losing plenty opens the door for players to become stars.

With that in mind, there’s underclassmen who can break out on both sides of the ball. Here’s three X-factors as the Tigers hope to retake control of the ACC and beyond.

RB Jay Haynes

The coaches always tell the story and head coach Dabo Swinney couldn’t stop talking about Haynes. He dealt with injury throughout the spring, but he’ll be healthy come fall.

Haynes had four carries for 28 yards and a touchdown in the win over Charleston Southern last season and that was just a glimpse. He’ll compete for reps with Keith Adams Jr. but the incoming sophomore could be the perfect tempo change to Phil Mafah.

WR Misun Kelley

“Tink” is Clemson’s speed demon. He dealt with injury as a freshman, but he’s back and healthy for 2024. He’s taking reps as both a Swiss Army knife receiver and as a returner.

With the jury out on who is the fastest Tiger now, Kelley will have an argument to make. In Year 2 under Garrett Riley, expect him to be a big piece of the creativity and potentially be a home run threat.

LB Wade Woodaz

This might seem like an odd placement but amid Barrett Carter’s return and the hype around freshman Sammy Brown, we can’t forget how good Woodaz is.

He’s taking over reps all around the linebacker room, especially at MIKE. We saw him produce at that spot in the Gator Bowl with four tackles but what sets him apart is his timeliness.

Woodaz is always around the ball at the right time and it led to a touchdown against Charleston Southern and a recovered fumble against Duke. If he takes the next step for this linebacker room, beware offenses.