CLEMSON – The spring game is three days away, and Clemson is still early in the process of finding its starting kicker.

Last season, the Tigers turned to Jonathan Weitz in what became a great story but Clemson is far more prepared at the position in 2024.

Robert Gunn III started last season as Clemson’s kicker but early struggles forced Dabo Swinney’s hand.  Now he’s back in the battle with freshman Nolan Hauser to decide the new heir.

“They’re both kind of right there. I can’t really say one guy has said ‘hey, I’m the guy,’ they’re just kind of right there,” Swinney said. “Robert’s probably been a tad more consistent but not a lot. They’re both right there together.”

Given the state of the competition, the spring game is a massive opportunity for either to take a step towards the starting job. Gunn is having back-to-back strong offseasons, but it’s just a matter of how he’ll perform under the lights.

Hauser was a coveted talent coming in, and he’s been working since Gator Bowl prep to compete for this job. Both have gone toe-to-toe in open practice periods, and Swinney’s statements confirm that it’s still a heated affair with both battling for an edge.