New-look Clemson Basketball Team Shines in Season Opener
The Clemson Tigers introduced a major roster overhaul under coach Brad Brownell in their 2025-26 season opener. In Monday's game at Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson dominated New Hampshire with an 88-38 win.
Significant Roster Changes
Clemson used 12 players during the game, with only one returning from last season’s lineup. This season marks the highest number of transfers under Brownell’s tenure, with 76% of the roster being new faces.
Key Player Debuts
- Transfers making their first appearance: Nick Davidson (Nevada), Jake Wahlin (Utah), Carter Welling (Utah Valley State), Jestin Porter (MTSU), and Butta Johnson (UAB).
- RJ Godfrey, a former Clemson player, rejoined after a one-season transfer to Georgia.
- Freshmen debuts: Zac Foster, Chase Thompson, Trent Steinhour.
- Redshirt freshmen also debuted: Ace Buckner and Dallas Thomas.
Game Overview
New Hampshire, coming off an 8-24 record last year and ranked 355th of 364 in the NET rankings, was clearly outmatched. Clemson’s 50-point win surpassed the anticipated 41.5-point spread set by FanDuel.
“Our team is still in the process of figuring everybody out,” coach Brad Brownell commented after the game.
What This Means for Clemson
While the large margin of victory was expected, the real value was in the playing time and chemistry-building among a largely new roster. This game set the foundation for the season ahead as Clemson adapts to its fresh lineup.
Author's summary: Clemson’s basketball team, featuring the highest number of transfers ever under coach Brownell, cruised to a commanding season-opening win, focusing on integrating new players.