With college basketball back, Clemson has earned a spot in Jay Bilas’ top 64, though his outlook for the Tigers is more cautious than some fans might expect. Bilas ranks Clemson No. 53 overall, behind Oklahoma State, High Point and Grand Canyon.
That placement might disappoint a fan base accustomed to seeing Brad Brownell’s program earn NCAA tournament bids. Bilas pointed to two significant uncertainties in explaining his assessment.
Clemson’s “season rests on two key players: Dillon Hunter (7.1 PPG), who is awaiting eligibility via the legal courts, and Carter Welling (10.2 PPG), who is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March. The Tigers have made the past three NCAA tournaments, and last season were top-25 in defensive adjusted efficiency.
If everything combines just right, Clemson could challenge the top tier of the ACC.”
The concerns are understandable given how many impact players Clemson must replace. Still, rebuilding the rotation has become familiar territory for Brownell, who has maintained one of the most consistent stretches of regular-season success in program history despite considerable roster turnover.
His defensive approach gives Clemson a foundation as its new pieces settle into their roles. If the Tigers maintain that standard and develop some offensive chemistry, they should once again be a difficult opponent.
Updated ACC football standings following loaded Week 10 schedule
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) November 8, 2026
📸 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co https://t.co/2wu1wDDxx6 pic.twitter.com/Qo7s3VfeJw
I expect Clemson to outperform those expectations, with an opportunity to establish itself before conference play. The Maui Invitational, beginning Nov. 23, offers an early chance for the Tigers to show they belong higher on Bilas’ list.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Jay Bilas has Clemson as tournament team heading into 2026
