Clemson took a couple of swings at high-level running backs in the 2026 recruiting class, but after missing on four-star Jae Lamar back in the summer, the staff never went after another player at the position.

That means, Clemson exited signing day last week with not a single running back in the class. On paper, that might not seem alarming. Only Adam Randall is set to leave, with Gideon Davidson, David Eziomume, Jarvis Green, Jay Haynes, Peyton Streko and Keith Adams Jr. all having more eligibility left.

Of those, only Davidson and Adams have more than 50 career carries. Adams’ 58 is more than any back in the roster outside of Randall. Haynes has only 49 and just missed the entire season. Eziomume has just 26. That’s not a whole lot of experience coming back for an offense that loses a ton of production.

That’s also assuming every one of those backs returns next season, and that is probably not a realistic expectation.

Make no mistake, Davidson is by all accounts the heir apparent. He should be the guy at the top of the depth chart heading into next season. However, as stated above, there’s just no one with much experience to pair with him.

The Tigers could really benefit from going to the portal and getting a proven running back to add to the mix. If for no other reason than to provide to veteran leadership. Even more than that, Davidson will need someone to help him carry the load, assuming he is the guy next season.

With the staff choosing not to even target a running back after missing on Lamar in early July, that might be a pretty good indicator the staff is planning to address any needs in the portal when it opens on January 2. Especially if they were to lose one or two of those guys to the portal.

UPDATE: On Monday morning, news broke of redshirt junior Keith Adams Jr. planning to enter the portal when it opens next month.

Photo by Bart Boartwright