Clemson's Vic Burley Poised for Breakout Season

Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney says the defensive tackle is a key player they're 'counting on' in 2026

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:19am

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Clemson defensive tackle Vic Burley had an impressive showing in the Tigers' spring game, collecting 3 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a pass breakup. Head coach Dabo Swinney took notice of Burley's disruptive performance and said the Tigers are 'counting on' the redshirt junior to step up this season as they look to replace departures on the defensive line.

Why it matters

Burley was a highly touted recruit who has dealt with injuries and limited playing time in his first few seasons at Clemson. With key defensive tackles leaving for the NFL, this is a critical year for Burley to establish himself as a dominant force on the Tigers' defensive line.

The details

Burley was a five-star and consensus top-100 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, but injuries hampered his debut season in 2023 and he ended up redshirting. In 2024 and 2025, he saw limited snaps, playing in just 92 and 175 defensive plays respectively. Now entering his redshirt junior year, Burley is eyeing a starting role and Swinney is expecting big things from the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder.

  • Burley had a standout performance in Clemson's spring game on March 28, 2026.
  • Burley will be a redshirt junior for the Tigers in the 2026 season.

The players

Vic Burley

A redshirt junior defensive tackle for the Clemson Tigers who was a highly touted five-star recruit in 2023. After dealing with injuries early in his career, Burley is poised for a breakout season in 2026.

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers football team, who praised Burley's performance in the spring game and said the Tigers are 'counting on' him this season.

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What they’re saying

“He's a guy we're counting on. If he don't do it, it ain't nobody's fault but his. Because he can. Ain't nobody can stop him but him.”

— Dabo Swinney, Head Coach

What’s next

Burley will look to carry his strong spring game performance into fall camp and the 2026 season, where he is expected to play a key role on Clemson's defensive line.

The takeaway

After dealing with injuries and limited playing time early in his career, Vic Burley has a chance to emerge as a dominant force on Clemson's defensive line in 2026. If he can stay healthy and focused, the Tigers are counting on Burley to help anchor their defense and fill the void left by departing starters.