New-look Clemson Basketball Team Dominates Season Opener
The Clemson Tigers marked a fresh start under coach Brad Brownell with a commanding 88-38 victory over New Hampshire at Littlejohn Coliseum to kick off the 2025-26 season.
Significant Roster Changes
This season features the most transfers ever under Brownell’s leadership. Clemson used 12 players in the opener, with only one returning from last year’s squad. The roster is composed of 76% new players, emphasizing a period of adjustment for the team.
Game Highlights
New Hampshire, coming off an 8-24 record and ranked 355th out of 364 Division I teams in the NET rankings last season, was overmatched. Clemson's 50-point win comfortably exceeded the 41.5-point spread set by FanDuel, reflecting the Tigers’ superior talent.
Coach’s Perspective
“We’ve still got to figure everybody out,” Brownell said after the game.
Notable Player Debuts
- Transfers: Nick Davidson (Nevada), Jake Wahlin (Utah), Carter Welling (Utah Valley State), Jestin Porter (MTSU), Butta Johnson (UAB)
- Returnee: RJ Godfrey, former Clemson player returning after one season at Georgia
- Freshmen debuts: Zac Foster, Chase Thompson, Trent Steinhour
- Redshirt freshmen: Ace Buckner, Dallas Thomas
These on-court opportunities are vital for building chemistry among the largely new lineup as Clemson looks to establish itself this season.
Summary: Clemson's basketball team begins a new era with extensive roster changes, showcasing depth and potential in a dominant season-opening victory.