Clemson Baseball Surges Into Coaches Poll Top 10 Before ACC Opener

The Tigers are one of seven ACC teams ranked in the latest USA TODAY Sports Baseball Coaches Poll.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Clemson baseball continued its hot start to the 2026 season with a four-game sweep of La Salle over the weekend, outscoring the opposition 52-11. The Tigers' strong offensive and pitching performances have propelled them into the top 10 of the latest USA TODAY Sports Baseball Coaches Poll, where they are ranked No. 9 ahead of their ACC opener against Georgia Tech.

Why it matters

Clemson's rise in the national rankings demonstrates the team's ability to compete at a high level, which will be crucial as they enter ACC play against some of the top teams in the conference. The Tigers' success could also boost their chances of earning a top seed in the NCAA Tournament later this year.

The details

In the four-game series against La Salle, Clemson batters totaled 44 hits and 52 runs, led by strong performances from Jarren Purify and Jay Dillard. On the mound, Clemson pitchers have combined for a 1.91 ERA and 162 strikeouts through 132 innings this season. The Tigers will face their toughest test yet when they open ACC play against No. 4 Georgia Tech on Friday.

  • Clemson swept La Salle in a four-game series over the weekend of March 6-8, 2026.
  • Clemson will open ACC play against Georgia Tech on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Jarren Purify

A Clemson player who collected at least two hits in all four games against La Salle, finishing the series 9-for-13 with two home runs and a double.

Jay Dillard

A Clemson third baseman who homered twice in Sunday's win over La Salle and was 5-for-12 in the series.

Erik Bakich

The head coach of the Clemson baseball team.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The highest-ranked ACC team in the USA TODAY Sports Baseball Coaches Poll, ranked No. 4 nationally.

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What’s next

Clemson will play Georgia Southern on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 before opening their ACC schedule against Georgia Tech on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Clemson's strong start to the 2026 season, including their rise into the top 10 of the national rankings, has positioned them as a team to watch in the ACC and potentially the NCAA Tournament. Their ability to maintain this level of play will be tested as they open conference play against one of the top teams in the country.