CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz released ACC post-spring intel, including potential breakout players for the 2026 season.
Four Clemson Tigers – sophomore defensive tackle Amare Adams, redshirt sophomore tight end Christian Bentancur, sophomore running back Gideon Davidson and sophomore offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs – were all tabbed as “lesser-known players poised for breakout seasons.”
Here’s what CBS Sports wrote about each of them:
Amare Adams, DL, Clemson: One of the highest-rated defensive line recruits in Clemson history, Adams had a quiet start to his career with just five tackles as a true freshman. While he was limited by an injury for much of spring practice, he’ll be counted on far more in 2026 with those like Peter Woods moving on to the NFL.
Christian Bentancur, TE, Clemson: Although he made just two starts last year, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bentancur did emerge as a contributor with 20 catches, 215 yards and three touchdowns. Bentancur is now expected to take another step forward this season. As a recruit, he ranked as the fourth-best tight end and 90th-best overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class.
Gideon Davidson, RB, Clemson: Davidson drew a lot of hype this time last year as a top recruit in an inexperienced Clemson backfield. He backed that up to a degree with a 60-carry, 260-yard season. But with Adam Randall’s graduation, Davidson is expected to shoulder a much larger load in 2026 with his spring performance seemingly locking in a starting role.
Brayden Jacobs, OL, Clemson: A top-60 recruit in the 2025 class and the son of former NFL running back Brandon Jacobs, the younger Jacobs is an emerging offensive lineman for the Tigers. Jacobs found his way into the starting lineup for Clemson late last season, finishing the year with four starts and 362 snaps. A freak foot injury ended Jacobs’ season a bit early. But the 6-foot-7, 355-pound guard is expected to be a key figure for a new-look Tigers o-line.
A number of players that Clemson is scheduled to face during the 2026 regular season made the CBS Sports list of breakout players: Miami defensive lineman Armondo Blount; Miami defensive back JJ Dunnigan; Miami edge Marquise Lightfoot; Miami defensive lineman Justin Scott; Florida State linebacker Chris Jones; Florida State running back Ousmane Kromah; Cal defensive back Kingston Lopa; Cal running back Carter Vargas; Virginia Tech tight end Luke Reynolds; and Virginia Tech cornerback Jaquez White.
