Clemson Tigers' Hyped Freshman Receives Major Update

Heading into the 2026 college football campaign, the Clemson Tigers boasted a trio of for-star freshman wide receivers generating considerable hype.

Leading the way was Naeem Burroughs, the top recruit of the bunch who was expected to have a rather significant role this season.

However, six games into the year, Burroughs has logged just two catches, which both came against Charleston Southern last week. His lack of usage has certainly been surprising to those who were anticipating an impactful showing from the youngster.

In fact, fellow freshman Gordon Sellars has actually surpassed him on the depth chart.

Last month, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney revealed that Burroughs was not yet close and that he still had a lot to work on. But with the season halfway over, some have been wondering if we'll see Burroughs at all.

Well, Swinney provided a significant update on the first-year pass-catcher heading into the Tigers' matchup with Virginia Tech, and there was definitely some good news.

Swinney revealed that while he didn't like what he saw from Burroughs in spring practice or fall camp, noting that Burroughs didn't seem to be putting forth a full effort in practice, he has seen considerable progress from him the last couple of weeks.

Actually, Swinney went on to say that Burroughs is the guy he's most excited about out of his group of young receivers right now.

Does that mean Burroughs will see the field a lot during the second half of the campaign? Well, that appears a bit unlikely.

Clemson's top three receivers are clearly T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco and Tyler Brown, and it hasn't really used any of the other wide outs on its roster.

Plus, with Burroughs just beginning to turn a corner, Swinney may choose to simply work with Burroughs for the rest of 2026, have him redshirt and then turn him loose next with both Moore and Wesco likely headed to the NFL and Brown graduating.

There will certainly be plenty of opportunities for Burroughs to establish himself next season given the mass exodus that is about to take place in Clemson's receiving corps, and while five-star receiver Jamarin Simmons will be arriving next season, as well, you have to think that Burroughs will have first dibs at a top role.

Of course, whether or not the Jacksonville, Fl. native actually seizes the chance to become one of the most prioritized players in the wide receiver room will ultimately depend on the progress he makes the rest of the way in 2026 and during the offseason.