By Ron Pitts for Urban Media Today
Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney and his Tigers showed up Saturday afternoon for their annual Orange and White Spring football game and continued their game day tradition by lining up for the Tiger Walk in the presence of their fans. The football teams load up the buses and circle around Memorial Stadium to meet up and make their grand entrance at Howard’s Rock, so they can make their historic entrance and run down “The Hill” to report to the office, aka Death Valley! Almost 50,000 fans were in attendance to get a glimpse of what to expect from their beloved Tigers for the 2026 football season.
The Clemson family honored former players Cade Klubnik, Tristan Leigh, Blake Miller, Walker Parks, Adam Randall, Tyler Venables and Wade Woodaz during the unveiling of the 2025 captains plaques. Former DT and current NY Giant Dexter Lawrence II was in the building to get a look at the 2026 Tigers.
Coach Swinney relieved his coaching duties to the assistant coaching staff to lead each team. Coach Matt Luke (Co-Offensive Coordinator/O-Line coach) led the Orange team and Coach DeAndre McDaniel (Defensive Backs Coach) led the White team. Meanwhile, Coach Swinney was high energy on the mic, keeping both teams energized and offered coaching throughout the game. He called out the mishaps as well as the successful results. While he was giving his version of play by play for the fans, he also challenged players on both sides to win.
The Orange team dominated the first half of the game with a 16-3 lead. The White team opened the game with a big stop on the Orange team, and put the game’s first points on the board on the leg of #38 Robert Gunn III’s 35-yard FG. After that, the Orange team put up 16 straight points. #17 QB Christopher Vizzina threw an 8-yard pass to #19 WR Gordon Sellars III after an 8 play, 38-yard drive. The Orange team then scored again on a rushing play from #2 QB Tait Reynolds for 1 yard. The first half was capped off by a safety for the Orange team from #21 Kobe Mcloud.
The Orange team came back in the second half and went on a 58-yard drive capped off by #6 Tyler Brown’s 4-yard TD reception from QB #14 Trent Pearman, giving the Orange team the victory over the White team, 23-3.
Coach Swinney spoke about things he learned about this team from the beginning to the close of spring camp. “We are long, we can run, and we are a physical group,” and the team has “much improved defensively.”
RB Gideon Davidson. Image Credit: Ron Pitts/UMT.
The team’s defensive backs played at high level, and didn’t allow any explosive plays down field. Coach was excited about the defensive backs, and he spoke about how they are way better, which he attributed to their length and athleticism. Tiger fans should be hopeful about their defense. Coach Swinney spoke glowingly about his defensive unit, highlighting several players:
#49 DE Darien Mayo – 6 tackles (4 solo) and 1 sack
#50 LB Fletcher Cothran – 10 tackles (6 solo)
#23 DE CJ Wesley – 3 tackles
#14 DE London Merritt – 4 tackles
Swinney went on to say his offense has gotten better, but is still learning. He likes his QB situation. Christopher Vizzina finished with 10-18 95 yards and a TD. Tait Reynolds shined also for the Tigers with 7-10 for 74 yards and a rushing TD.
Overall, offensively they have work to do on offense, but they have gotten better. Swinney said jokingly, “They are starting to look like Ferraris and not Malibus”
Gideon Davidson RB stood out with a dynamic rushing performance with 80 yards on 9 carries, which he did against a very stout defense. Gideon said that he was excited to be back in a game day atmosphere versus being in practice. He was very optimistic about the running back room, saying, “We could be one of the best in the country with the speed, power, and athleticism they have”.
Although it’s early, the Clemson faithful have plenty to be excited about as they prepare for summer camp and football season.
