Clemson football’s running back room has the potential to be a strength in 2025, but questions linger about depth and reliability after a challenging 2024 season. The Tigers will need significant contributions from their returning players and incoming talent to elevate the group.
The departure of Phil Mafah leaves a major void, and while the Tigers signed 4-star recruit Gideon Davidson in the 2025 class, placing the entire burden on a freshman is risky. Davidson is a highly touted prospect with the talent to compete for the starting job, but Clemson needs multiple backs to step up after injuries and inconsistency hampered the group last season.
Jay Haynes, who flashed potential in 2024 before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, remains an option, though his health heading into fall camp is uncertain. Redshirt freshman David Eziomume could also emerge after a developmental year, offering promise for a potential tandem with Davidson.
Jarvis Green showed glimpses of his abilities, including a touchdown reception in the playoff loss to Texas, but his role remains undefined. Meanwhile, Keith Adams Jr. enters his fourth season as more of a short-yardage option, with just 21 career carries.
Spring practice will be pivotal for determining the pecking order, with Adam Randall’s transition from wide receiver to running back adding an intriguing wrinkle. Clemson must establish depth and trust in its running back unit to avoid the struggles seen when Mafah’s injury impacted the Tigers’ ground game.