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Clemson Offense SWOT: Weaknesses & Opportunities
TL;DR
Clemson's offense faces significant challenges in 2026 as they lose four starters from their offensive line, including key player Blake Miller. The team has not added any transfers to fill these gaps, highlighting a critical weakness in their lineup.
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 29: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers blocks during a college football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 29, 2025 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
They say college football has become a big business and its true. One well-known business technique is called a SWOT analysis. Inspired by the Talkin’ Yanks podcast, I will bring you a SWOT analysis for Clemson football. In this edition we take the Weaknesses and Opportunities portion for the 2026 Clemson Tiger offense.
Weaknesses: Clemson’s O-line loses four starters and added no transfers.
The Tigers must replace nearly their entire starting offensive line. The biggest piece to replace is RT Blake Miller who has been a stalwart on an otherwise shaky offensive line. They also lose LT Tristan Leigh, C Ryan Linthicum, and RG Walker Parks.
While only Blake Miller is a sure-fire NFL draft pick, losing that much experience is a red flag. Perhaps they could have turned it into a positive by adding 2-3 impact transfers, but they failed to secure a single transfer portal commitment for the offensive line. That means Harris Sewell will move from guard to center, and if that doesn’t work, they have no recourse. He’ll be only returning starter.
Chad Morris’s offensive is reliant on running the ball and taking deep shots. That requires an offensive line that can create running lanes and can give receivers time to get down field and the QB time to get off a deep pass. If you want to get away from the screens and horizontal passing, the O-line cannot regress further.
Opportunity: Matt Luke has “his guys” starting on the offensive line. The departing offensive linemen have largely struggled.
There’s no putting a positive spin on losing Blake Miller who has been a contributor on the offensive line for four years. Beyond him though, it’s possible that Matt Luke getting his own recruits into the starting lineup could give this offensive line more upside.
At left tackle, Tristan Leigh had a paltry sub-50 PFF grade. Easton Ware was a true freshman, but Coach Swinney claims he would have played if not for injury a season ago. Now he’s healthy. It’s unlikely he posts a sub-50 PFF grade because it’s just not that common for a starting tackle to get significant snaps and earn such a low grade.
At left guard, Harris Sewell struggled and while Coach Swinney may be pollyannish, there could also be something to it when he says he was a good guard but a very good center. If that transition goes well, perhaps Clemson could be better at both guard and center. Elijah Thurmon was a high-upside prospect and has shown flashes but like Ware was hurt last year. Now he is healthy. At right guard, Walker Parks was solid but missed much of the season with injury. Collin Sadler struggled in his stead. Coaches didn’t give Ronan O’Connell much opportunity for whatever reason, but he has been quite impressive in his limited opportunities — notably in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Losing Blake Miller hurts a lot, but will a combination of O’Connell-Ware-Thurmon be better than Parks-Leigh-Linthicum? It’s not a stretch to suggest that it will be. Depth could be perilously thin, but with better health luck there’s perhaps more upside.
Q&A
Who are the key players Clemson is losing from their offensive line in 2026?
Clemson is losing four starters from their offensive line, including RT Blake Miller, LT Tristan Leigh, C Ryan Linthicum, and RG Walker Parks.
What impact will the loss of Clemson's offensive line starters have on their 2026 season?
The loss of these starters could significantly weaken the offensive line, impacting the team's overall performance and ability to protect the quarterback.
Did Clemson add any transfers to their offensive line for the 2026 season?
No, Clemson did not add any transfers to replace the departing offensive line starters for the 2026 season.
What is a SWOT analysis and how does it apply to Clemson football?
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; in this context, it highlights Clemson's offensive weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in 2026.
