Most years, Clemson signs just one running back.

Obviously, there are exceptions to that, but generally speaking, the Tigers tend to take one, and that looks to be the case for the 2026 class.

Looking at the backs Clemson has offered to this point, it’s easy to see the staff is going big-game hunting in this recruiting cycle. Like they say, go big or go home.

Only three offers have gone out. The first didn’t go out until last fall, well after the summer when the opening offers went out. Four-star Jaylen McGill was the recipient of that first offer, but as the end of the year drew near, it was readily apparent the two parties just weren’t going to be a match.

McGill went on to commit to Rutgers early this year, decommitted about two weeks later, then committed to North Carolina a few weeks back. He has also reclassified and will be on the Tar Heels roster for the upcoming season.

Knowing McGill wouldn’t be the guy, the staff expanded the board. Running backs coach CJ Spiller then visited several backs during the contact period in January, including Jae Lamar and Carsyn Baker. Both are four-star prospects, and both are big-time talents.

Both took visits to Clemson during the spring, with the Tigers handing out an offer to each after their visit. Both have already locked in plans to be at Clemson’s big official visit weekend from May 30 to June 2.

Lamar just named his six finalists with Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Florida State, Miami and Auburn all making the cut. He is planning to announce a commitment on July 4.

After his spring visit, Lamar told TCI, “Clemson stands number one.” The blue-chip talent has since backed off that stance, saying he doesn’t currently have a favorite. However, saying something like that at all is a pretty good indicator of how his first-ever visit to Clemson went. Now the staff just has to do it again when he returns for his official.

Winning this one won’t be easy, though, especially knowing Georgia is also in the mix. Clemson doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to going head-to-head with the Dawgs for running backs.

Baker is working with a group of five finalists that includes Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio State and Florida State. While he has yet to announce a commitment date, Baker previously told TCI he’d like to have a decision made before the start of his senior season, so that would put him on track for a summer decision.

The blue-chip back made his first-ever visit to campus the week before the Elite Retreat, and he is another target in which the Tigers find themselves battling Georgia for.

“Clemson is most definitely high on my board,” Baker said. “I was stunned when I went there, and I had a really great time.”

Two backs, one spot. This writer leans towards thinking the staff has a better shot with Lamar, but there’s also the distinct possibility that both end up elsewhere. Again, go big or go home.