Will Helt’s return supercharges Clemson’s defensive hopes for 2026 amid roster turmoil. With NFL-bound stars like TJ Parker and Peter Woods departing, Morgan Thomas spotlights Helt as the defensive anchor Tigers fans desperately needed. Can Dabo Swinney’s squad rebuild its depth and raise its ceiling, or will portal moves and recruiting missteps leave the defense exposed?

Morgan Thomas also sounds the alarm on Clemson’s undermanned Pinstripe Bowl showdown vs. Penn State, with 26 players unavailable due to injuries, opt-outs, and transfers. Discussion heats up around Dabo’s roster management and controversial experiments like Ian Shefflin’s brief football stint. Are these decisions signs of strategic genius or costly misjudgments? Get the latest on Clemson’s transfer portal priorities, bowl game realities, and the leadership pressures shaping the Tigers’ future in college football’s new era.

00:00 "Clemson DE Returning in 2026"

03:59 Clemson Defense Anchored for 2026

08:58 Clemson's Defensive Line Strategy

10:53 Aura Frames: Easy Photo Sharing

13:15 Roster Challenges and Player Updates

18:24 "Questioning Rules and Values"

22:36 "Clemson Frustrations and Experiment Critique"

23:57 "Dabo's Hypocrisy on Values"

27:23 "Dabo's Sales Pitch Critique"

30:54 "Locked On Clemson Updates"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Clemson Tigers eye Pinstripe Bowl dominance as Penn State reels from key opt outs and coaching turmoil. Can Cade Klubnik silence critics and steer Clemson to a confidence-boosting win in Yankee Stadium?

Morgan Thomas analyzes Penn State's emotional preparation, unstable roster, and reliance on workhorse back Katron Allen after losing Nick Singleton. Discussion focuses on Clemson's defensive strengths led by Tom Allen, the threat of Penn State’s run-first offense, and Klubnik’s potential game management woes. Concerns about opt outs on Clemson’s defensive front—Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, Avion Terrell—set the stage for a battle of attrition. With both programs seeking redemption after disappointing seasons, Morgan Thomas previews the paths to victory and questions if Dabo Swinney’s crew can capitalize and rebuild momentum.

Will the Tigers assert defensive grit, or will Penn State power through the trenches for a program-defining bowl win?

00:00 Clemson vs. Penn State Preview
05:55 "Bowl Games Are Disappearing"
12:17 "Clemson's Late-Season Defensive Improvement"
14:25 Clemson vs. Penn State Concerns
24:02 "Clemson vs. Penn State Analysis"

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Clemson Tigers fans brace for a new era as the "slow development" model fades in college football. Morgan Thomas spotlights the changing landscape, with the transfer portal and NIL accelerating roster churn and forcing coaches to rethink redshirt strategies. Jamal Anderson Jr.’s transfer becomes a lightning rod for debates about player recruitment, mismanagement, and fit—can Clemson continue competing without adapting faster?

Detailed analysis examines the Tigers’ pressing roster needs, including defensive line gaps and the importance of plug-and-play talent from the portal. Morgan Thomas questions whether Dabo Swinney’s conservative approach can fill likely 12-15 transfer spots and restore Clemson’s edge. The episode wraps with a bold take on 2025 NFL Draft futures: Peter Woods may be overrated, while Avion Terrell’s versatility raises his stock. Will Clemson’s strategy evolve in time to meet next season’s challenges?

00:00 "College Football's Changing Landscape"

04:23 "Senior Struggles: Risk of Transfer"

08:35 Player's Development Mismanaged

12:49 "Clemson's Portal Gap Frustrations"

15:10 Clemson's Transfer Portal Strategy

18:23 "Freshmen, Football, and Fast Expectations"

20:43 "FanDuel, Sports, and Off-Season"

24:01 "Draft Concerns for Woods & Terrell"

26:40 "Locked On Clemson Updates"

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.