Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is most excited about one position group in particular, coming out of spring ball.

That position?

It’s clearly the secondary, Swinney told ESPN’s Heather Dinich.

“Secondary,” Swinney said, via Dinich. “I mean, we were the worst pass defense I’ve had ever. Since I’ve been a head coach. And we still somehow won seven games. Just terrible. I just think we’re much better in that area. We improved in every defensive statistic except pass defense. We were horrible. If we can stay the course in Year 2 with Coach [Tom] Allen and what we’re doing but improve in that area, then I think that makes a difference on the field and in close games.”

The back end of the Tigers’ defense was a weak link in 2025, and moves were made in the transfer portal to upgrade the talent level at corner. Elliot Washington II was brought in from Penn State and Donovan Starr from Auburn, to go alongside returning players Ashton Hampton and Branden Strozier. Corian Gipson is also back after seeing a lot of action at the nickel over the back half of last season.

Safety play was also a weakness for the Clemson defense last season, and the faces lining up at those positions this season will certainly look different as well. The Tigers not only added two starting caliber players at the position via the portal in Corey Myrick (Southern Miss) and Jerome Carter III (Old Dominion), but both were two of the highest-graded safeties in the portal, per Pro Football Focus. Ronan Hanafin and Kylon Griffin are both back at safety, too.

Clemson signed two cornerbacks as part of the 2026 recruiting class – Shavar Young and Marcell Gipson – as well as one safety in Polo Anderson.

Last season, Clemson ranked 120th nationally in passing yards per game allowed (251.2) and tied for 63rd with 18 passing touchdowns allowed.