Looking at the 2025-26 Clemson Basketball Roster and Rotation Changes

The landscape of college basketball is defined by its fluidity, and few programs exemplified this more than Clemson University heading into the recent cycle. Following a historic run that saw the Tigers set a school record with 27 total wins and 18 victories in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play during the previous year, the program faced a massive transition. The 2025-26 clemson basketball roster represents one of the most significant overhauls in the tenure of head coach Brad Brownell, who entered his 16th season at the helm. With 13 lettermen departing, including cornerstone players like Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin, the roster construction required a strategic blend of veteran transfers and high-upside freshmen.

Maintaining the momentum of a top-25 program necessitates a quick integration of new talent. The departure of nearly 90% of the team's scoring production meant that the identity of the Tigers had to be rebuilt from the ground up. This shift focused on length, versatility, and experience gained from other high-major and mid-major programs. The resulting lineup is a mix of tactical acquisitions intended to sustain Clemson's standing as a legitimate contender in the ACC.

The lone returning veteran and leadership gap

When looking at the 2025-26 clemson basketball roster, the most striking statistic is the number of returning lettermen: one. Dillon Hunter, a 6-3.5 senior guard from Atlanta, stands as the sole bridge between the record-breaking squad of the previous year and the current iteration of the Tigers. Hunter, known for his defensive tenacity and steady ball-handling, saw his role expand from a rotational specialist to a primary leadership figure. In the prior season, he averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, but his value in the current locker room transcends basic box score metrics.

Behind Hunter, the program relied on the internal development of redshirt freshmen who spent the previous year learning the system. Ace Buckner and Dallas Thomas, both of whom took redshirts during the 24-25 season, were integrated into the active rotation. Thomas, a 6-9 forward from Little Rock, brings a modern skillset to the frontcourt with his ability to stretch the floor, while Buckner provides additional depth at the point guard position. These players represent the "young core" that has been marinated in the program's culture, even if their on-court experience at the ACC level was initially limited.

Transfer portal acquisitions and frontcourt reconstruction

To address the massive void left by the graduation of PJ Hall and the departure of Viktor Lakhin, the coaching staff was aggressive in the transfer portal. The strategy focused on bringing in proven producers who could immediately compete in the physical environment of the ACC.

One of the most notable additions is Nick Davidson, a 6-10 redshirt senior who joined the program from Nevada. Davidson brought with him a reputation for being a double-double threat, possessing the frame (238 lbs) to battle inside and the footwork to navigate ACC defenses. His arrival was complemented by the return of a familiar face: RJ Godfrey. After a stint at Georgia, Godfrey elected to return to Clemson for his senior season. Standing 6-8 and weighing 230 lbs, Godfrey’s familiarity with Brownell’s defensive schemes made him an immediate starter and a defensive anchor in the paint.

In the backcourt and on the wings, the Tigers added significant scoring punch through several key transfers:

• Jestin Porter (Graduate, Middle Tennessee State): A 6-1 guard from Houston who provides elite shot-making ability. Porter’s role was designed to offset the loss of veteran scorers, offering a veteran presence who has played high-leverage minutes.
• Efrem "Butta" Johnson (Senior, UAB): A 6-4 guard known for his perimeter shooting and athleticism. Johnson’s experience in winning environments at the mid-major level translated into a reliable secondary scoring option for the Tigers.
• Jake Wahlin (Junior, Utah): A 6-10 forward who provides versatility. Wahlin's ability to play multiple positions allows for various lineup combinations, particularly in small-ball scenarios where mobility is prioritized over bulk.
• Carter Welling (Junior, Utah Valley): Adding further depth to the frontcourt, the 6-10 Welling provided a traditional rim-protecting presence and efficient rebounding off the bench.

The 2025 freshman class and long-term potential

While the transfer portal addressed immediate needs, the 2025-26 clemson basketball roster also integrated a healthy crop of true freshmen. This group is highlighted by Zac Foster, a 6-4 guard from Atlanta. Foster arrived with a high pedigree, noted for his basketball IQ and defensive upside. In a backcourt that needed depth, Foster was positioned to earn minutes early in his career.

Other notable freshmen include:

• Chase Thompson (6-8, Forward): A versatile prospect from Minnesota who fits the mold of the modern "stretch four."
• Blake Davidson (6-9, Forward): Joining his brother Nick, Blake brings a similar physical profile and skill set, though his focus remained on developmental growth during his first year in the program.
• Trent Steinour (6-10, Center): A native of North Carolina, Steinour provides the Tigers with a long-term prospect at the center position, focusing on rim protection and interior finishing.

Full 2025-26 clemson basketball roster breakdown

Below is the detailed roster for the season, reflecting the heights, weights, and origins of the squad.

Positional analysis and depth chart

The Backcourt

The guard rotation relies heavily on the experience of Dillon Hunter and the scoring ability of Jestin Porter. With Butta Johnson providing a perimeter threat, the Tigers have a backcourt that is older and more physically mature than many of its ACC counterparts. The emergence of Zac Foster and Ace Buckner as reliable secondary ball-handlers is a key factor in the team's ability to maintain offensive pressure throughout forty minutes. The coaching staff has prioritized a multi-guard look that emphasizes ball movement and reduces the burden on any single individual to create shots.

The Wings and Forwards

This is perhaps the most versatile segment of the roster. With players like RJ Godfrey and Jake Wahlin, Clemson can switch defensively across multiple positions. Dallas Thomas provides a different look as a redshirt freshman, offering more length on the perimeter. The ability of these forwards to rebound and immediately initiate the break is a hallmark of the current tactical approach. The depth here allows for high-intensity defensive pressure without significant drop-off when the starters rest.

The Interior

The center position is anchored by Nick Davidson, whose physical presence is vital in a conference known for elite big men. Supported by Carter Welling and the developmental progress of Trent Steinour, the Tigers have focused on keeping a fresh, high-energy player near the rim at all times. This rotation is designed to protect the paint and control the glass, areas where Clemson has historically found success under Brownell’s leadership.

Coaching and staff continuity

Despite the massive turnover in the player personnel, the coaching staff has remained remarkably stable. Brad Brownell’s 16th season provided a sense of continuity that was essential during such a heavy transition period. Associate head coach Billy Donlon and assistant coaches Sean Dixon and Dick Bender returned to lead the integration of the ten newcomers.

The support staff, including director of operations Andy Assaley and director of recruiting Lucas McKay, played pivotal roles in navigating the complexities of the transfer portal. The addition of Jon Uribe as the director of strength and conditioning was a notable change, focusing on the physical development of the incoming freshmen and the conditioning of the veteran transfers to meet the demands of the ACC schedule.

Strategic outlook for the program

Rebuilding a roster after losing thirteen players is a challenge that requires a clear vision. The 2025-26 clemson basketball roster was built with a specific intent: to remain competitive immediately while establishing a new foundation. By bringing in graduate and senior transfers like Porter, Johnson, and Nick Davidson, the program avoided a total "youth movement" that often leads to inconsistent results in high-major basketball.

The success of this roster construction is measured not just by wins and losses, but by how quickly the disparate parts gelled into a cohesive unit. The defensive identity remains the priority, but the added shooting from the transfer class suggests an evolution in the offensive philosophy. As the program moves forward, the development of the freshman class—Foster, Thompson, Steinour, and Blake Davidson—will determine if the Tigers can maintain their position near the top of the ACC standings for years to come.

The 2025-26 season served as a testament to the modern era of college athletics, where a roster can be transformed in a single offseason. For Clemson, the combination of a veteran coach and a diverse group of newcomers created a unique team dynamic that looked to build upon the successes of the past while carving out a new chapter in the program's history.