The FSU Seminoles and Clemson Tigers are set to meet on Halloween night in Doak Campbell Stadium, with both teams desperate for a win.
The Seminoles are riding a two-game losing streak and sit at 4-3 overall and 1-3 in ACC play. Despite their struggles, they are the favorites after enjoying a bye last weekend, and ESPN's analytics give them a slight edge. It came at a crucial time for FSU, with the roster being banged up after a rough October.
While FSU is 3-1 at home this season, their win over the Virginia Cavaliers is the only one against a Power Four opponent. The good news is that Clemson is also struggling and has one of the worst offenses in the entire country. The offensive struggles are real, but their defense is once again excellent
and will be a tough challenge for Ashton Daniels, especially with Ousmane Kromah done for the season.
Here are five Clemson players to know ahead of Saturday's game.
Tait Reynolds, Quarterback
Reynolds has emerged as Clemson's starting quarterback, but the freshman has struggled. He has completed 66.67% of his passes for 1,096 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He does have 164 yards and another touchdown on the ground, but if FSU can make him throw the ball, the defense should be able to control the game.
Ashton Hampton, Cornerback
Hampton is one of the best cornerbacks in the country and will be a tough matchup for whichever one of FSU's talented wide receivers he guards. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he has the frame to guard Duce Robinson but also the speed to match up with FSU's quicker wideouts. He has one interception and nine pass breakups this year, and Daniels will need to be careful when he targets him
Will Heldt, Defensive End
Heldt is Clemson's top pass-rusher and someone FSU's offensive line will have to account for on every play. The senior leads them with 6.0 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, and his sacks tend to come in bunches, with him recording three games with 2.0 sacks.
Gideon Davidson, Running Back
Clemson has not had much success throwing the ball in 2026, but that has not stopped Davidson from having a solid season running the ball. The sophomore has 492 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He ran for over 100 yards against the North Carolina Tar Heels and California Golden Bears, and FSU should expect a heavy dose of him.
Elliot Washington II, Cornerback
As good as Hampton is, Washington is frequently targeted by opposing quarterbacks, and the senior has made them pay. He has a team-high three interceptions to go with four pass breakups and 23 tackles.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: FSU vs Clemson: Five Tigers to know
