ATHENS, GA. — One of Clemson’s most reliable arms is on track to be back next season.

Lefty Jacob McGovern missed all of the 2026 campaign due to an elbow injury.

After the Tigers were swept by Georgia in Athens in a scrimmage on Sunday, Erik Bakich provided a positive update on one of his better relievers.

“Gov is still working his way back,” the head coach told The Clemson Insider. “He is doing his rehab throwing program.”

A lefty from nearby Seneca High School, McGovern came on late in the 2024 season to become a valuable pitcher out of the bullpen for the Tigers. He was one of the team’s most effective relievers in 2025 as well.

The two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member has worked 53.1 innings over 31 appearances, including two starts. He has a 6-1 record, two saves and a 3.21 ERA.

In the postseason, McGovern has pitched 17.2 innings in seven relief appearances. He has allowed eight hits, four earned runs (2.04 ERA) and six walks with 20 strikeouts. In the ACC Tournament in 2025, he pitched 9.1 innings over three relief appearances and allowed two hits, no earned runs and two walks with eight strikeouts.

While the start of the season is still a few months away, it appears Clemson will have one of its better arms back. If not for the start of the season, sometime early on. With the Tigers looking to rebound from a disappointing 31-26 2026 season, getting McGovern back would provide a big boost for a pitching staff needing to replace several arms.

“He is on track for the season,” Bakich added. “That will be a good one to get back.”