Clemson Tigers face a razor-thin margin for error on defense ahead of the 2026 season. Can the revamped linebacker unit—centered around rising star Sammy Brown—hold the line after high-profile departures like Luke Forelli and failures in the transfer portal? Morgan Thomas confronts lingering concerns about Clemson’s linebacker depth, questions Ben Boulware’s coaching impact, and highlights the team’s gamble on defensive line and secondary reloads.

As college football’s pay-to-play landscape shifts, Clemson must adapt or risk falling behind big spenders like LSU and Ohio State. Will Coach Dabo Swinney embrace a survivor’s mindset, focusing on roster development over superstar recruiting? Morgan Thomas draws intriguing parallels to Brad Brownell’s success with scrappy basketball teams and explores how Clemson can compete by doubling down on culture, identity, and player development instead of chasing first-round draft picks.

00:00 College Football's Inequality Problem
04:37 "College Football Playoff Expansion Debate"
09:20 Linebacker Concerns and Opportunities
14:19 Run Game Strength, Pass Weakness
18:15 Kobe McLeod's Role Challenge
26:10 "High Stakes, Low Returns?"
28:17 Clemson's Challenges and Brad Brownell
32:05 Reinventing Clemson Football Identity

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ACC football heats up as Darian Mensah spurns Duke to join Miami Hurricanes, instantly vaulting them into preseason title contention. Can Mario Cristobal turn his embarrassment of offensive riches—now including Cooper Barkate and Malachi Toney—into a national championship run? Isaac Shade and Brian Smith break down how Duke’s legal gambit to retain Mensah fell flat, what Miami’s explosive transfer portal activity means for the ACC, and why NIL money continues to upend college football’s power structure.

CFP format shakeups, Notre Dame’s surprising auto-bid deal, and the fate of Group of Six teams spark debate about fairness and the future of the sport. With the new ACC football schedule releasing, questions swirl around Miami’s brutal run of Friday games and Cal’s coast-to-coast travel grind. Are the networks undermining the ACC’s parity? Will unbalanced schedules impact playoff odds? Don’t miss this fast-paced analysis of the shifting ACC landscape.

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Clemson faces a new reality—gone are the days of assured quarterback dominance. With Christopher Vizzina at the helm, the Tigers enter the 2026 season likely matched or outgunned at QB in over half their key games, including headline clashes against LSU, Miami, Virginia Tech, and South Carolina. Will Clemson’s offense rise to the occasion, or is Tiger Nation in for a season of grit over glamour?

Morgan Thomas explores how Chad Morris’s determined shift to a run-first identity could change everything for the Clemson Tigers. From leaning on a two-back set featuring Gideon Davidson and Chris Johnson Jr. to the critical role of an unproven offensive line, the discussion unpacks strategic pivots, upcoming challenges in the ACC, and the dangers of living in the program’s championship past. Can a grounded, physical approach keep Clemson relevant without a superstar under center? Find out what’s next for Dabo Swinney’s squad.

00:00 Clemson's 2026 QB Concerns
03:06 QB Dilemma Analyzed
08:22 Clemson Football's Changing Landscape
12:46 Clemson's New Purpose: Run Football
15:34 Clemson's Struggle: Revive the Run
18:38 Clemson Offense Hinges on Fit
26:05 Clemson's Challenging Season Ahead
28:39 Executing Clemson's Path to Victory

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
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Clemson football faces a defining season as the 2026 schedule signals a shift from dominance to survival. Can Dabo Swinney and his coaching staff restore the Tigers’ edge, or will the relentless ACC and out-of-conference challenges further expose the program’s vulnerabilities? Opening on the road against LSU and navigating a gauntlet with no well-timed bye weeks, Clemson fans and players must brace for a year where every win is hard-earned.

Morgan Thomas examines Christopher Vizzina’s readiness at quarterback and the impact of Chad Morris’s return to the offense. Key topics include whether Clemson can regain its quarterback advantage, the role of playmakers like Gideon Davidson and Bryant Wesco, and the pressure on both sides of the ball after recent average seasons. As speculation swirls around job security and team identity, the upcoming year feels like a true “prove it” moment for the Tigers in college football’s evolving landscape.

00:00 Clemson's Decline Confirmed
04:46 "Clemson's Tough Schedule Challenges"
08:42 "Clemson's Challenging Schedule Ahead"
10:44 "Clemson's Markov Named ACC POTW"
15:35 Clemson QB Dilemma Explained
17:11 "Chad Morris' Impact on Clemson"
20:36 "Clemson Football's New Mindset"
26:45 "Clemson's Challenges and Optimism"
27:35 "Clemson's 2026 Survival: Offense"
30:58 "Subscribe for Exclusive Podcast Access"

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Gametime
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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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FanDuel
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Clemson Tigers football hits the reset button as Chad Morris returns as offensive coordinator for 2026. Does this bold reunion with Dabo Swinney restore hope for Tiger fans—or heighten concerns over recycled strategies? Morgan Thomas examines how Morris’s more mature approach, new emphasis on a run-oriented, play-action-driven offense, and promises of a vertical passing attack could transform Clemson’s identity after recent struggles.

Key topics include the staff’s alignment on philosophy, challenges in adapting to evolving defenses, and whether quarterback development and player fit can finally deliver results. The episode also explores Dabo Swinney’s role in the latest coaching shakeup, the impact of promoting former players, and uncertainties surrounding personnel decisions. Is optimism warranted, or must hope be earned on the field? Locked On Clemson dives deep into the choices shaping the Tigers’ future.

00:00 "Clemson's 2026 Fix: Chad Morris"
04:53 "Evolution of Offensive Philosophy"
07:56 "Clemson's Offensive Philosophy Shift"
13:28 "Growth Through Lifelong Learning"
16:47 "Building Team Identity for Success"
20:21 "Clemson Basketball's Historic Win"
21:13 "Mazda: Passion in Every Detail"
25:54 Quarterback Development and Coaching Concerns
28:17 Dabo Must Rebuild Credibility

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

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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Rocket Money
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FanDuel
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Clemson Tigers face a recruiting crisis as Ole Miss and Pete Golding spark controversy with alleged tampering and direct inducements to linebacker Luke Ferrelli. Is college football’s integrity at stake? Morgan Thomas exposes the full timeline, detailing how Ferrelli signed with Clemson, attended workouts, and then received escalating offers from Ole Miss—while still a Clemson student-athlete.

The discussion tackles the rise of moral corruption in NCAA football, examining agents’ coercive tactics, backroom deals, and the broader implications for teams across the nation. Morgan Thomas calls for accountability, demanding real consequences like scholarship penalties and recruiting restrictions for violators. How will this scandal reshape Clemson’s future, and can the NCAA restore trust in its system? Don’t miss this hard-hitting breakdown of one of college football’s most pressing ethical battles.

00:00 Clemson vs. Ole Miss Controversy
04:18 "Leadership Needed in College Football"
07:14 Tampering Scandal: Ole Miss Accusations
10:18 "Clemson, Morality, and Playoff Bets"
16:39 College Football's Bidding War Crisis
17:51 "College Football's Ethical Crisis"
23:09 "Cheating Prospers Without Penalties"
27:04 "Values in College Football Questioned"
28:27 "Preserving Integrity in College Football"

Everydayer Club
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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.

Turbo Tax
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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.

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Clemson Tigers face a pivotal 2026 football season with no margin for error—will banking on player development over transfer portal experience pay off? Morgan Thomas spotlights Clemson’s gamble, questioning whether Christopher Vezina, Cade Klubnik, and the returning offensive line can silence doubters after losing top talent to Ole Miss and the NFL.

The conversation zeroes in on coaching changes, Tom Allen’s rebuilt defense, and Chad Morris’ task to ignite a sputtering offense. Can the Tigers avoid early losses against LSU and overcome key personnel unknowns on defense? With a thin margin for mistakes looming and the ACC unforgiving, Morgan Thomas breaks down Clemson’s path, strategic risks, and the intense pressure facing key position groups. Don’t miss this honest look into the Tigers’ high-stakes rebuild and what it will take to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

00:00 "Clemson Football Faces Uncertainty"
06:14 Roster Uncertainty and Talent Loss
08:19 "Sticking with Development Strategy"
10:54 Clemson, Ole Miss, and Tampering
15:40 Offense vs. Defense: 2026 Outcomes
17:24 "Questioning Tom Allen's Coaching"
20:43 "Clemson's Future and Community Appreciation"
25:37 Clemson's 2026 Rebuild Challenges

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

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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.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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)

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Miami Hurricanes fall short in a nail-biter against Indiana Hoosiers for the national championship—can the ACC bounce back next season? Key moments, including Carson Beck’s costly interception and Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman-worthy touchdown run, define a hard-fought 27-21 showdown. With special teams mishaps and Miami's offense stifled by Indiana's stellar defense, the ACC squad break down what separated the contenders from the champions.

The panel tackles seismic shifts in ACC football, from Clemson’s painful transfer portal woes and contract controversies at Duke to Syracuse’s uphill battle for relevance. Heated debate erupts over NIL contracts, lawsuits, and the escalating price tag for top quarterbacks—will this reshape college football’s future? Plus, early outlooks for North Carolina, NC State, and more keep fans guessing: Who’s poised to be next year’s surprise playoff team?

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