Clemson announced on Tuesday that offensive lineman Watson Young has decided to step away from the football program, ending a two‑year chapter that was defined more by setbacks than snaps.
A native of Clemson and a three‑star recruit, Young became the first fourth‑generation player in the school’s history, following a family legacy that includes his father Kyle Young, a two‑time All‑American center who starred for the Tigers from 1998 to 2001.
Roster reshaping for the Tigers
The program now lists 18 offensive linemen on its 105‑man roster heading into the 2026 season, yet the loss of Young compounds a depletion that already saw four starters exit after the previous year.
Projected starters for 2026 include Brayden Jacobs, Elyjah Thurmon, Harris Sewell, Collin Sadler and Easton Ware, with Sewell the only returning starter from last season’s line.
The departure also removes Blake Miller, Tristan Leigh, Ryan Linthicum and Walker Parks from the depth chart, further testing the unit’s depth and experience.
Coaches and analysts alike note that the move reflects the broader volatility of college football rosters, where injuries, personal choices and scholarship limits intersect to reshape lineups before a single snap is taken.