The Clemson Tigers have some injuries heading into the 2026 college baseball season, according to The Post and Courier’s Clemson Athletics reporter Jon Blau.
Pitchers Drew Titsworth and Jacob McGovern will miss Clemson’s opening weekend series against the Army Black Knights. Infielder Collin Priest also suffered a long-term hamstring injury and will miss a significant amount of time.
According to Blau, Clemson’s starting rotation to open the season will be made up of Aidan Knaak, Talan Bell, and Tennessee transfer Michael Sharman, who could “very well start.”
Titsworth and McGovern and Their 2025 Seasons
In 2025, Titsworth picked up five wins and had a 4.28 ERA in 54 2/3 innings of work. Over that same stretch, he had 50 strikeouts.
Heading into 2026, Titsworth has experience starting on the mound and coming out of the bullpen. He had two saves last season while also making seven starts.
Clemson head coach Erik Bakich said that Titsworth had a strain in his armpit area and will be back for the second week of the season.
In 2025, McGovern was a good reliever for the Tigers. He had a 3.86 ERA in 35 innings of work with 44 strikeouts.
Like Titsworth, McGovern recorded two saves during the 2025 season.
Bakich stated that McGovern’s injury may “take a little bit longer” to deal with.
Priest and His 2025 Season
In 2025, Priest showed why he is one of the stronger players for Clemson. He had 11 doubles, 12 home runs, and 52 RBIs. Priest also had a solid .407 on-base percentage.
The 2025 season was Priest’s first one for the Tigers. He played for the Michigan Wolverines in 2024.
Bakich stated that Priest will be out for “quite a few weeks” because of his hamstring injury.
Up Next for Clemson
The Clemson Tigers will begin the 2026 college baseball season against Army on February 13.
The game is at Clemson’s home ballpark, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, and the first pitch is at 4 p.m. EST.
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Clemson infielder Collin Priest (99) stands ready to field the ball during an NCAA baseball game against Oklahoma State on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
