Clemson Tigers Dealing with Injuries Ahead of Opening Weekend

Head coach Erik Bakich provides updates on several players set to miss the start of the season.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Clemson Tigers head baseball coach Erik Bakich revealed that the team is dealing with a number of injuries and illnesses ahead of their opening weekend series against Army. Bakich confirmed that junior relievers Drew Titsworth and Jacob McGovern will both miss the opening weekend, while designated hitter/infielder Collin Priest is expected to be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. Despite the setbacks, Bakich expressed confidence in the depth of his pitching staff and the team's ability to remain competitive.

Why it matters

Injuries can significantly impact a team's performance, especially early in the season. Clemson is a perennial powerhouse in college baseball, so these injuries to key players could affect their chances of getting off to a strong start and potentially impact their postseason aspirations.

The details

Bakich stated that while the team is dealing with a flu bug affecting around 10 players, the more serious injuries involve the pitching staff and a key offensive contributor. Titsworth and McGovern, both junior relievers, will miss the opening weekend series, with Titsworth expected to return the following week and McGovern's timeline being a bit longer. Additionally, designated hitter/infielder Collin Priest suffered a significant hamstring injury and will be out for several weeks. Priest was a key offensive piece for the Tigers last season, batting .240 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs.

  • The Clemson Tigers are set to open their 2026 season on February 14th against Army.
  • Junior relievers Drew Titsworth and Jacob McGovern will both miss the opening weekend series.
  • Designated hitter/infielder Collin Priest is expected to be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The players

Erik Bakich

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers baseball team.

Drew Titsworth

A junior relief pitcher for the Clemson Tigers who will miss the opening weekend due to an injury.

Jacob McGovern

A junior relief pitcher for the Clemson Tigers who will miss the opening weekend due to an injury.

Collin Priest

A designated hitter/infielder for the Clemson Tigers who will miss several weeks due to a hamstring injury.

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What they’re saying

“We are a little banged up. We've got some guys that are going to be out on opening weekend. We have the flu going through about 10 guys right now. They will be fine by the weekend.”

— Erik Bakich, Head Coach (si.com)

“Drew Titsworth will be back for week two, won't pitch week one. Still a lingering — like an armpit strain, but he will be fine. McGovern will be out this weekend. That one might take a little bit longer, so we will see how he progresses.”

— Erik Bakich, Head Coach (si.com)

“Collin Priest pulled his hammy pretty good. He will be out for quite a few weeks. That is a tough one. Guy coming back with big left-handed power.”

— Erik Bakich, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Clemson Tigers will open their 2026 season on February 14th against Army. The team will have to adjust their pitching rotation and lineup to account for the injuries to Titsworth, McGovern, and Priest.

The takeaway

Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and the Clemson Tigers are facing that challenge as they prepare for the start of their 2026 baseball season. However, head coach Erik Bakich has expressed confidence in the depth of his pitching staff and the team's ability to remain competitive despite the setbacks. The Tigers will need to navigate the early part of the season without several key contributors, but their success will depend on how well they can adapt and overcome these obstacles.