The Road to Omaha begins today as your #17th ranked Clemson Tigers host a three game tilt with the Army Black Knights. After an excited season that had a disappointing end in the regionals, its safe to say Tiger fans are chomping at the bit to see what year four of the Erik Bakich era has to offer. This team brings in a mix of veterans and transfers. But first, let’s look at the enemy.
The Black Knights went even Steven in 2025, going 25-25. Their season ended in the Patriot League tournament, losing
two games to Holy Cross. Army returns 25 players and adds 13 newcomers, all of which are freshman. Certainly an oddity in the Transfer Portal era we live in, but Military Academies are playing by different rules than the rest of us. If the Knights win any of their games in Tiger Town, it would be the Army’s first win vs a ranked opponent since beating Duke in 2020, and first Power Conference win since beating Pitt at 2022. Army will be very familiar with the Palmetto state after the start of this season. Following their three game series this weekend in Clemson, the Black Knights will be in Columbia next weekend where they have a scheduled game against South Carolina on Friday the 20th and then will play Air Force in Columbia on the 21st. They then head over to Joseph Riley Park in Charleston to face the Citadel. The weekend after they’ll have a three game tilt over the state line in Charlotte at Queens. Army has won four straight season opening games.
Clemson will be starting ace Aiden Knaak on Friday, Tennessee transfer Michael Sharman on Saturday, and Sunday is TBA. It is speculated that Talan Bell will get the nod Sunday, but after a shoulder injury he’ll be on a limited pitch count. Tiger star pitcher Drew Titsworth will be out this weekend, but should be back for week 2.
All the games this weekend can be found on ACC Network Extra, found on the ESPN App. Games can also be heard on the Clemson Tiger Radio Network.
