Morgan Thomas breaks down why Dabo still owns the strongest résumé in the conference, with two national championships, multiple College Football Playoff appearances, and a decade of Clemson dominance. But after a disappointing 7-6 season, the question is no longer ridiculous. Clemson’s recent struggles, offensive inconsistency, portal hesitation, NIL adaptation, and roster-building concerns have opened the door for challengers like Mario Cristobal and Miami.

This episode looks at the difference between career résumé and current momentum. Dabo has the hardware, but Cristobal has the recent buzz. Clemson now has to prove it can win big again in the modern era of college football.

00:00 Is Dabo still the ACC’s best coach?
05:12 Clemson’s climb back to dominance
08:23 Why the coach rankings debate is fair
11:48 Sponsor message
17:05 Clemson’s modern roster-building questions
20:49 Dabo’s recent performance under the microscope
23:49 Clemson’s offensive line and development concerns
24:49 What Clemson must prove in 2026

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Locked On Clemson is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Locked On Podcast Network by ranking the top 10 Clemson football players of the last decade.

Morgan Thomas looks back at the players who defined Clemson’s rise from national contender to national champion, beginning with the debate between Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence for the number one spot.

The countdown also features Clemson legends such as Travis Etienne, Christian Wilkins, Ben Boulware, Isaiah Simmons, Hunter Renfrow, Tee Higgins, Clelin Ferrell, and Dexter Lawrence.

This is not simply a ranking of the most talented players. The list weighs production, championships, leadership, signature moments, and overall importance to Clemson’s historic run.

00:00 Clemson’s top players from 2016–2025
04:29 Why Deshaun Watson ranks No. 1
06:37 Trevor Lawrence’s championship legacy
10:42 Travis Etienne and Christian Wilkins complete the top four
16:40 Ben Boulware’s leadership and Clemson identity
17:42 Isaiah Simmons and Hunter Renfrow
23:23 The toughest decisions in the top 10
26:49 Tee Higgins’ Clemson legacy
28:19 Clelin Ferrell and Dexter Lawrence
31:48 Celebrating 10 years of Locked On

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonclemson.supercast.com

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Clemson’s offense received major news with Bryant Wesco Jr. medically cleared following the neck injury that ended his 2025 season.

Wesco’s return gives the Tigers a legitimate vertical threat and explosive playmaker alongside T.J. Moore, while Tristan Smith adds size, experience, and another physical option on the outside. With Cole Turner, Tyler Brown, Naeem Burroughs, and several younger receivers also competing for roles, Clemson’s wide receiver room now has real depth and variety.

Morgan Thomas breaks down how Wesco changes the way defenses must play Clemson, why his presence should create more opportunities for Moore and the rest of the receiver room, and how the pressure now shifts to quarterback Christopher Vizzina, offensive coordinator Chad Morris, and Matt Luke’s young offensive line.

The talent at receiver appears good enough. The bigger question is whether Clemson can protect Vizzina, establish the run, and consistently get the ball to its playmakers.

00:00 Bryant Wesco Jr. is medically cleared
05:20 What Wesco’s return means for Christopher Vizzina
09:19 How Wesco changes Clemson’s offense
11:36 Indeed sponsor message
15:21 Evaluating Clemson’s wide receiver depth
20:07 Building the receiver rotation around Wesco and T.J. Moore
22:32 Naeem Burroughs and Clemson’s younger receivers
24:15 Why expectations are rising for the offense
28:03 Wesco’s potential impact in 2026

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonclemson.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
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Rugiet
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Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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