Dabo Swinney’s March 4, 2026 Press Conference: Key Takeaways from Clemson Spring Practice
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney held his first press conference of the 2026 spring practice season on Tuesday, March 4, providing updates on the Tigers’ progress after a few sessions.
With spring ball underway, Swinney emphasized a heightened level of competition across the roster, crediting the influx of transfers and the development of young talent for injecting urgency into practices. He noted that the team has more competition than in recent years, stating, “You’ve gotta compete to a certain standard. If you don’t, you aren’t gonna play.”
Offensive line coach Matt Luke and defensive line coach Nick Eason have been actively promoting and demoting players every series to foster this environment.Swinney also highlighted the integration of new coordinators, including offensive coordinator Chad Morris, whose high-energy style has brought intensity to every play. Injuries to key players like wide receivers Bryant Wesco, Cole Turner, and TJ Moore have opened doors for younger players to gain valuable reps, accelerating their development. Overall, Swinney expressed optimism about the group’s buy-in, saying, “There’s a lot of competition … not a lot of guys walking around here like they’re owed a job — and that goes for players and coaches.”
Breakdown: QuarterbacksSwinney discussed the quarterback room’s adjustment to Chad Morris’ up-tempo offense and coaching personality, describing Morris as a “fireball every day.” The QBs have handled the transition well, with Swinney praising the group’s talent and competitiveness: “They’ve all been impressive. They’ve all made mistakes. But it’s a good room … very competitive.” He didn’t single out specific performances but noted the entire unit is adapting to new schemes, including headset communication implemented last year.The 2026 class added two early-enrollee quarterbacks: four-star Tait Reynolds from Arizona and three-star Brock Bradley from Alabama.
While Swinney didn’t provide detailed updates on them in the presser, they are part of the competitive room, which includes returning starter Cade Klubnik. Swinney explained that Clemson opted not to pursue a transfer QB this offseason, defending the decision by emphasizing confidence in the existing talent: “We felt comfortable with our guys.”
This marks a shift from portal-heavy approaches at other positions, focusing instead on internal development.Breakdown: TransfersClemson set a program record by adding 10 transfers for the 2026 season, primarily to address defensive needs after losing several players. Swinney said the portal additions have served as a “wakeup call” for the roster, bringing speed, length, athleticism, and experience.
He highlighted how the staff targeted specific fits: “We had to fill that void … we needed speed, we needed some athleticism. We needed some length. We needed some experience … We needed some competition up front.”
Key transfers and Swinney’s comments include:
Chris Johnson Jr. (RB, from SMU): Described as “as advertised” and “fast-fast,” with explosive speed, great ball skills, and a unique skillset for threatening defenses horizontally and vertically. Swinney noted Johnson has added 10 pounds since arriving and fully bought into the program’s nutrition and development process. “If he breaks a tackle, it’s a touchdown.”
Elliot Washington II (CB, from Penn State): Swinney praised his toughness, speed, fiery personality, charisma, and swagger. “He’s gonna help us. We needed speed … I’m really impressed with that corner room.”
Washington brings Power 5 experience with 53 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions in his prior career.
Jerome Carter III (S, from Old Dominion) and Corey Myrick (S, from Southern Miss): Labeled as Clemson’s “top two safeties” in the portal. “These guys are long. They can run. They’re both all-conference players.”
Carter tied for second in the FBS with 6 interceptions in 2025, while Myrick adds length and athleticism.
Donovan Starr (CB, from Auburn): Adds speed and size to the secondary. Swinney recruited him out of high school and noted, “Both of these guys can run. So those four guys, we got some speed, some length, size and athleticism.”
London Merritt (DE, from Colorado): Swinney’s top portal choice, expected to make an immediate impact. “He’s a freshman all-conference guy … super good fit for us.”
C.J. Wesley (DE): Brings “real juice” to the edge with length and speed (4.56 40-yard dash at 225 pounds).
Markus Strong (DL, from Oklahoma): Called “twitchy” for his quickness.
Kourtney Kelly: An “intriguing prospect.”
Swinney feels positive about the group early in spring, noting they’ve hit the ground running and enhanced competition, particularly on defense.
Breakdown: Early Enrollees and FreshmenSwinney was effusive about the early enrollees, particularly the freshman wide receivers, who are getting extended reps due to injuries. He called the WR class “elite talent,” though not yet elite college players: “All three of them can really, really run. We hit on them.” Specific highlights:Naeem Burroughs: “A special football player … can really run. He’s a lot bigger than I thought he was … developed lower body.”
Connor Salmin: “Can fly … but when you’re thinking, you don’t play fast.”
Gordon Sellars: “Long, really twitchy for a big guy.”
Swinney also mentioned JuJu Preston, flashing with great ball skills and speed, though he may be part of the broader young receiver group. These players are navigating a steep learning curve with alignments and details but are benefiting from the “fire hose” of information in spring.
On the offensive line, Swinney highlighted early-enrollee freshmen like Leo Delaney, Carter Scruggs, Grant Wise, Chance Barclay, (a pleasant surprise for his physicality and athleticism). “We hit on them … very encouraged with the five that are here.” Adam Guthrie will join in the summer. Swinney cited comfort with this group’s depth as a reason for not pursuing portal OL heavily.
The QB early enrollees, Tait Reynolds and Brock Bradley, weren’t spotlighted individually but are integrated into the competitive room under Morris.In total, Swinney referenced 15-16 midyear enrollees adding energy, with the overall message being development through competition. “We got good people. We like them. But we just got to do the work.”
