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Clemson, ACC Foes Reveal Returning Production Ahead of 2026 Season
CBS Sports' analysis shows Clemson tied for 59th nationally with 8 returning starters, while ACC rivals have varying levels of continuity.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:26pm
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A new CBS Sports report has compiled the total returning starters for every FBS program ahead of the 2026 college football season. Clemson is tied for 59th nationally with 8 total returning starters, including 5 on offense and 3 on defense. Among ACC teams, Virginia Tech leads the way with 14 returning starters, while in-state rival South Carolina has 10. The report also breaks down the returning starter totals for Clemson's 2026 regular season opponents.
Why it matters
Returning production is a key indicator of a team's potential for success, as programs that can maintain continuity often have an advantage over those undergoing significant roster turnover. Clemson's relatively low number of returning starters suggests the Tigers may face more challenges in 2026 as they look to rebound from a 7-6 campaign the prior season.
The details
According to the CBS Sports analysis, Clemson is tied for 59th nationally with 8 total returning starters, including 5 on offense (WRs T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr., TE Olsen Patt-Henry, OL Collin Sadler and Harris Sewell) and 3 on defense (LB Sammy Brown, DE Will Heldt, CB Ashton Hampton). Southern Cal tops the FBS with 15 returning starters, while ACC rival Virginia Tech has 14. Other ACC teams with high returning production include Miami, Pittsburgh, SMU and Wake Forest, all with 11 starters back.
- The CBS Sports report was published on March 22, 2026.
The players
Clemson Tigers
The Clemson football team, which is coming off a 7-6 season in 2025 and is looking to rebound in 2026 with a relatively low number of returning starters compared to other top programs.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Clemson rival that leads the ACC with 14 total returning starters, the most of any team in the conference according to the CBS Sports analysis.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Clemson's in-state rival, which has 10 returning starters for the 2026 season.
Cody Nagel
The CBS Sports writer who authored the report on returning starters across the FBS.
What they’re saying
“College football's roster cycle has never moved faster. Programs can reshape entire depth charts in a single offseason through the transfer portal. While talent acquisition has become more fluid than ever, continuity still has to be developed the old-fashioned way.”
— Cody Nagel, CBS Sports Writer
The takeaway
Clemson's relatively low number of returning starters compared to other top programs suggests the Tigers may face more challenges in 2026 as they look to rebound from a disappointing 7-6 campaign the prior season. However, the report highlights the importance of continuity in college football, with teams like Virginia Tech and South Carolina boasting higher levels of returning production that could give them an edge over the Tigers.
