This Clemson Tigers freshman could make a huge impact for the team next season.
The Clemson Tigers definitely need a boost after going just 7-6 this past season, and their offense in particular was a major problem in 2025.
Yes, Cade Klubnik had a disappointing year, but so did just about everyone else not named T.J. Moore, and with Klubnik, Antonio Williams and Adam Randall all headed for the NFL, you have to wonder where Clemson's offense will come from in 2026.
Could a freshman wide receiver help provide an answer?
Jason Priester of The Clemson Insider thinks so, already identifying incoming four-star recruit Naeem Burroughs as a potential difference maker next fall.
"With Antonio Williams off to the NFL, Tyler Brown is presumed to be the heir apparent in the slot. Having said that, Burroughs is going to play, and probably quickly," Priester wrote. "He’s too good to keep off the field. He can take the top off opposing defenses, as evidenced by his 22 yards per catch during his final high school season. He’s also a very capable return man. Burroughs has been tabbed as an instant-impact player by multiple recruiting analysts."
With the Tigers struggling on the recruiting circuit in recent years, landing Burroughs was definitely a major coup.
Clemson Tigers receiver Naeem Burroughs. Credit: Clayton Freeman/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.The Jacksonville, Fl. native is the 14th-ranked receiver and the 96th-ranked player overall in his class, via 247 Sports' composite rankings.
Burroughs committed to Clemson last March and never wavered, ultimately making his decision official by signing with the school back in December.
At 5-foot-11, 180 pound, Burroughs definitely possesses similar size to the departing Williams, but he may be even more talented.
“I think he is as good as anybody in the country,” head coach Dabo Swinney said of Burroughs. “He is a great player and a great kid.”
Considering the Tigers will be rolling with the completely unproven Christopher Vizzina at quarterback next season, they need all of the weapons they can get, so Burroughs' presence could end up paying dividends for the offense.
Of course, it will also be interesting to see what Moore — perhaps one of the most underrated playmakers in the country — will do in 2026, but Burroughs could be the player to watch for Clemson.
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