CLEMSON — When Dabo Swinney hired Matt Luke in December of 2023 to replace Thomas Austin as his new offensive line coach, the hope was Clemson would get better up front.

For a little while in 2024 that was true, then injuries set in and since the midway point of last season to now, the Clemson offensive line has been an up-and-down unit that just cannot find any consistency. Granted injuries have played a large role in the inadequacies of the line, but talent and maybe a lack of development has played a role too.

What will the Tigers do in the off-season from a personnel standpoint?

As of right now, Clemson is expected to sign six offensive linemen in the 2026 class, including four-star prospect Chancellor Barclay, who likely will play inside. Last year, the Tigers signed five offensive linemen, including former four stars Brayden Jacobs and Easton Ware.

Both Jacobs and Ware are out for the season due to injuries, with Jacobs’ coming last week when he injured his foot while celebrating Clemson’s victory over Louisville. Jacobs played in 10 games this year, and started the last four, including the last two at left guard.

Jacobs and guard Harris Sewell are expected to be the only two starters back next season that recorded a minimum of four starts this year. Sewell will likely move to center with Ryan Linthicum using up his eligibility.

That means Clemson will have two choices, trust that it has developed its young offensive linemen, and guys like Ware and Gavin Blanchard, along with Ronan O’Connell are ready to step in and fill those holes, or it will have to go to the transfer portal and find a couple of veteran linemen.

Luke has gone to the portal and looked for offensive linemen the last two years, but nothing came out of those inquiries. Clemson will likely have to sign at least one veteran offensive lineman from the portal this off-season, and maybe two.

It is going to be interesting to see what the Tigers do, as well as if the Matt Luke project, which will be in its third year, has panned out for Clemson.

It is going to be an interesting two weeks to say the least when the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2.