Clemson, SC – Despite several schools canceling their spring game for various reasons, Clemson went forward with hosting their annual spring game.
Although the format of the game was unconventional compared to prior years, the excitement and anticipation for the game were sky-high for fans and players alike.
“It means a lot to me,” said junior defensive end TJ Parker when asked about the spring game. “It’s good to have the fans come out and still have that type of game day atmosphere… It’s just an exciting time for you guys to support us and we get to show up for you guys.”
The spring game is also a great time to evaluate talent and see how the roster looks ahead of summer workouts.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Clemson’s 2025 spring game.
Tristan Smith Rocks: The lone offensive transfer from Southeast Missouri State hauled in five catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. In the third quarter, he caught a jump ball pass from quarterback Trent Pearman while alluding two defensive backs to generate the game’s biggest play: a 72-yard touchdown.
Smith’s big play ability and length are a major addition to Clemson’s wide receiver room, which is competing to be one of the best, if not the best, wide receiver rooms in the country.
“We’re going to be unstoppable this season,” Smith said.
Swiss Army Knife of Running Backs: In the spring game, Clemson’s top four running backs on the depth chart all shined differently. True freshman Gideon Davidson looked poised despite being an early enrollee, rushing for 31 yards on nine carries while adding 43 receiving yards on four catches.
Redshirt freshman David Eziomume showed his explosiveness out of the backfield with a 30-yard touchdown run, while redshirt junior Keith Adams Jr. demonstrated his physicality with 47 yards on seven carries, including three rushes for nine yards or more.
Recently converted running back Adam Randall had the biggest receiving play among the running backs with a 23-yard catch.
Answer at Linebacker: After Barrett Carter entered the NFL Draft, an opening at outside linebacker emerged, and Clemson may have found their answer in Alabama transfer Jeremiah Alexander. The 250-pound linebacker constantly found himself in the middle of every play, recording a game-high seven tackles.
“I thought he had a really good day today,” head coach Dabo Swinney said. “He made a couple of tough tackles… He’s physical. He’s a bumper, and I thought he had a really productive day.”
With the mix of physicality and quickness, Alexander may be the perfect player to add alongside Sammy Brown and Wade Woodaz.
Defensive End Depth Shines: With TJ Parker’s return and Will Heldt transferring from Purdue, Clemson’s starting defensive ends are on track to wreak havoc in any game. The real question was, who are the next ones up? The answer was given three times: Jahiem Lawson, Darian Mayo, and Markus Dixon.
Lawson had a game-high two sacks, while Dixon and Mayo each had seven tackles and one sack.
“He’s been getting better all spring,” Parker said about Mayo. “He had a real good day, so I am super proud of him.”
Overall, the Clemson spring game answered many key questions for the Tigers, who hope to build off of it as they embark on becoming a National Championship contender this season.
