Clemson Running Back Receives Bold Prediction for 2026 Season

Clemson Tigers running back Gideon Davidson could play an important role in his sophomore campaign. 

Davidson has such high expectations that he was listed as one of the sophomore standouts who will define the College Football Playoff race in a CBS Sports article.

The Tigers will have a backfield of Davidson and Chris Johnson Jr., who was added in the transfer portal.

In his freshman campaign, Davidson rushed for 260 yards on 60 carries while hauling in 11 receptions for 93 yards. He is an explosive running back who could help unlock the offense under offensive coordinator Chad Morris.

Johnson appeared in 12 games for SMU in the 2025 season, rushing for 479 yards and four touchdowns on 67 carries. He also hauled in 17 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown.

Clemson will need Davidson and Johnson to set the tone for the offense, who will have a new starting quarterback. Klubnik was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after completing 64 percent of his passes for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions across his four seasons at Clemson.

Christopher Vizzina is likely taking over for Klubnik, but he doesn't have much experience on the field. In 2024, he completed 19 of 34 passes (55.9 percent) for 190 yards while rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown.

In the 2025 season, Vizzina completed 45 of 71 passes (63.4 percent) for 406 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 41 yards on 25 carries.

Vizzina's production will be pivotal to the Tigers having a successful season, but if Davidson and Johnson play at a high level, it can ease some pressure off Vizzina.

The 2026 season is a big year for head coach Dabo Swinney to get Clemson back on track. They had a down year in 2025, as they didn't make it to the College Football Playoff or the ACC Title Game with a 7-6 record.

With the disappointing year and nine players being drafted in the NFL Draft, Swinney and the Tigers will need players like Davidson to step up.

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