Clemson's Dexter Lawrence Shines in Championship Moments

The standout defensive tackle was a key part of the Tigers' success, making his mark on both sides of the ball.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting Dexter Lawrence making a tackle, scoring a touchdown, and celebrating with his Clemson teammates, all rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color.Dexter Lawrence's dominant Clemson career was defined by his ability to make game-changing plays in big moments for the Tigers.Wake Forest Today

Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was a dominant force during his three-year career with the Tigers, helping the team win three ACC championships and a national title as a freshman. Lawrence made his presence felt in big moments, breaking the school's freshman sack record, scoring a touchdown in the jumbo package, and making key plays in the ACC title games.

Why it matters

Lawrence's accomplishments at Clemson cemented his status as one of the program's all-time greats, and his ability to impact games on both offense and defense made him a valuable asset. His trade to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason will give him a chance to bring that championship pedigree to a new team.

The details

As a true freshman in 2016, Lawrence burst onto the scene, totaling 14 tackles in the first two games and finishing the season with a program-record 7 sacks. He added 63 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2 fumble recoveries that year, helping Clemson win the national championship. In 2018, Lawrence scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown out of the jumbo package, becoming the heaviest player in Clemson history to find the end zone. He also made key plays in the ACC title games, recording at least one sack in each of the three championships he won with the Tigers.

  • In 2016, Lawrence broke Clemson's freshman sack record with 7 sacks.
  • In 2018, Lawrence scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown out of the jumbo package.
  • Lawrence won 3 ACC championships with Clemson from 2016-2018.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A standout defensive tackle who played for Clemson from 2016-2018, helping the team win 3 ACC championships and a national title as a freshman. He was later drafted in the 1st round by the New York Giants in 2019 and was recently traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers, known for his innovative offensive plays like the jumbo package that featured Lawrence.

Christian Wilkins

A fellow Clemson defensive lineman who often lined up with Lawrence in the jumbo package.

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What they’re saying

“It also featured the heaviest player to ever score a TD in Clemson history, as all 342 pounds of Dexter Lawrence barreled into the end zone in the 3rd quarter.”

— Austin Pendergist

What’s next

Lawrence will look to bring his championship pedigree to the Cincinnati Bengals, who acquired him in a blockbuster trade this offseason. Bengals fans will be eager to see how the former Clemson standout can help bolster their defensive line and push the team towards a Super Bowl.

The takeaway

Dexter Lawrence's dominant tenure at Clemson, which included three ACC titles and a national championship, cemented his status as one of the program's all-time greats. His ability to impact games on both offense and defense made him a valuable asset, and his trade to the Bengals this offseason gives him a chance to bring that championship mentality to a new team.