The Clemson defense has a lot to be optimistic about, but the youth might stand above all.

When a team loses over half its starters on defense, it could lead to some panic but that’s not the case for the Tigers. The 2023 recruiting class was an absolute splash and it’s set Wes Goodwin’s unit up tremendously for the future.

ESPN ranked the defensive futures across college football and Clemson came in at No. 4. It’s a reflection of how the young players have developed over the last season.

Like any perennially strong group, Clemson loses key players at all three levels, especially the front seven, but the returning star power is there. If several depth pieces emerge, coordinator Wes Goodwin should field a formidable group in 2024 and beyond.

Up front is where Clemson is spoiled. TJ Parker and Peter Woods were stars as freshmen. The former led the team in sacks with five while Woods is moving out to the edge after wreaking havoc as part of an elite defensive tackle room.

Looking into the middle, it’s an older group with all fourth or fifth-year players in DeMonte Capehart, Payton Page and Tre Williams. The pair of Stephiylan Green and Vic Burley are the youngsters making their way into the fold.

Linebacker could end up Clemson’s strongest position on defense in 2024. Returning starters in Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz lead the way, but the players behind them are chomping at the bit.

Five-star freshman Sammy Brown has all the hype, rightfully so, but Kobe McCloud, Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson are all underclassmen. It’s a unit built for the future.

Adam Rittenberg’s one skepticism of the defense comes in the secondary, but it’s not a big one.

The secondary is a short-term question mark, although Clemson returns intriguing players like sophomore cornerback Avieon Terrell (6 pass breakups in 2023), sophomore nickel Khalil Barnes (team-high 3 forced fumbles) and senior safety R.J. Mickens, who ranked third on the team in tackles. Like Terrell, sophomore cornerback Shelton Lewis also gained valuable playing time as a freshman. Clemson could use a lift from junior cornerback Jeadyn Lukus, an ESPN top-35 recruit in 2022 who has been limited in his first two seasons.

With the incoming 2025 class that the Tigers are building, there’s no signs of it stopping. Goodwin has all the tools to turn in another top-10 defense and Clemson is set up for the future with it.