Clemson’s 2026 Running Back Depth Chart: A Push for Balance
Clemson’s rushing attack struggled last season, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and slipping outside the top 100 nationally. The statistic underscores a gap the program has long prided itself on closing, especially given its storied history of dominant ground games. Head coach Dabo Swinney has repeatedly emphasized that the solution lies not in a single star, but in a collective effort that can sustain production through the season. Among the backups, Jay Haynes stands out as a sleeper candidate who can both run and catch, having amassed over 300 total yards and three rushing touchdowns in 2024. Gideon Davidson is slated to inherit the starting role, having posted 4.3 yards per carry and 80 yards on nine rushes in the spring game. His blend of size and agility gives the Tigers a traditional power runner to build around. Chris Johnson Jr., an SMU transfer, brings blazing speed that could stretch defenses, while veterans David Eziomume and Jarvis Green are expected to see reserve snaps and push for larger roles. The competition is fierce, and Swinney believes that at least two backs will emerge as the primary contributors, a depth that could finally give the Tigers the balance they have been missing.
