CLEMSON — Though Clemson has had some great players on offense in recent memory, the program was built on the foundation of playing tough and physical on defense.

It has been a staple at Clemson since the Danny Ford years of the late 1970s and 1980s. When the Tigers are at their best, their defenses are at their best.

Look at some of the best teams in Clemson history, and you will find they had some of the best defenses in school history as well.

The 2018 team, 2017, 2019, 2020, 1981, 1978, 1991, 1990, 1989 and the list goes on and on. Sure, there have been a few great teams that did not have great defenses – the 2016 and 2015 teams come to mind. However, most have.

It is of no coincidence that Clemson’s level of play has dropped in recent years, as its defense’s started to struggle.

The last two years have been perhaps the worst for the Tigers. In 2024, Clemson had one of the worse rushing defenses in the ACC. Last year, they could not stop the pass.

How about 2026? What can we expect from Clemson’s defense in 2026?

“We are much improved defensively, from any point in time last year,” head coach Dabo Swinney said. “So that was really encouraging to see throughout the spring.”

Obviously, the verdict is still out in 2026. However, there is some real hope that things have been fixed, at least for the most part. In January, the Tigers hit the transfer portal and got some very good defensive players that have come in ready to compete.

Cornerback Elliott Washington II, safety Jerome Carter III, safety Corey Myrick, cornerback Donovan Star, defensive tackle Kourtney Kelley, defensive tackle Markus Strong, defensive end London Merritt and defensive end C.J. Wesley have all made a difference in some capacity.

They’ve created competition at linebacker, cornerback, defensive end, defensive tackle and safety. The Tigers head into the summer with the expectation there is still plenty of work that needs to be done.

“We were able to fill some gaps that were kind of created and some unexpected. So, again, secondary wise, we are just way better,” Swinney said. “Again, length, athleticism, speed. It is a fast group. I think our backers, we are in a totally different place at linebacker than we were this time last year. Those guys have all improved. We are going to have a nice core, right there. So, I think that is a good sign.

“And then, we know what Will Heldt and Jahiem (Lawson) can do, but man, let me tell you. (Darien) Mayo, the spring that he has had. London Merritt, what a great addition, C.J. Wesley and we got a couple of more guys coming this summer. So, we are just better across the board defensively.”