In 2025, the Clemson Tigers finished the season 45-18 overall. They were also 18-12 in ACC play.
The Tigers made the NCAA Tournament and hosted a regional at Doug Kingsmore Stadium as the number 11 national seed.
Despite a great regular season, Clemson was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in regional play.
Head Coach Erik Bakich felt that there was a lot left to be desired from his team when the 2025 season was all said and done.
“The thought is it was a season that ended in very disappointing fashion,” Bakich said. “We had nothing to show for it — nothing. We were one game away from the ACC regular-season championship, one game away from winning the conference tournament championship, and we didn’t get out of our own regional. You package that together, and it’s like, we didn’t do jack squat.”
The head coach went on to mention that this Clemson team, preparing for 2026, has a chip on its shoulder. The Tigers want to achieve high goals next season.
For the second-straight season, the Savannah Bananas are coming to Doug Kingsmore Stadium to play a fun exhibition against Clemson.
That exhibition matchup will be on Thursday, October 23. The first pitch will be at 7 p.m. EDT.
Bakich talked about the excitement surrounding the Bananas returning to Clemson for another game.
“Playing the Bananas was something we tried to do when I was at Michigan, but could never get it approved,” Bakich said. “So, this has been an idea for a while.”
He added: “Fortunately, Clemson was willing to do it, and it’s such a unique concept — creating a fan experience unlike anything else.”
The Tigers are also hosting a Fan Fest prior to their exhibition against the Alabama Crimson Tide on October 25.
The Clemson head coach dove into the inspiration and thought process behind hosting this event before they take on the Crimson Tide. Some
“We’re turning it into more of a carnival atmosphere,” said Bakich. “Concerts, games, and activities behind the right-field fence near the Cajun Café area.”
He even compared what Clemson was trying to do that Saturday to what the Atlanta Braves do with The Battery at Truist Park.
“We’ve taken inspiration from what the Atlanta Braves have done with The Battery at Truist Park — it’s as much fun outside as inside.”
Right-handed pitcher Aidan Knaak has been exceptional for Clemson thus far in two seasons.
He is a two-time first-team All-ACC pitcher and has a career ERA of 3.78 in 173 2/3 innings of work. Over that same stretch, he also has 218 strikeouts.
Bakich talked about what the star pitcher has been able to do so well throughout his Clemson career so far.
“He’s a true scientist out there, always refining his craft,” Bakich said regarding Knaak. “His consistency and preparation separate him. He’s got premium stuff, great command, and elite routine-based discipline every week.”
Another big-time returner for the Tigers is infielder Jarren Purify. He had a breakout sophomore season with a .298 batting average, a.417 on-base percentage, 10 doubles, and 35 RBI.
Purify was also a huge base-stealing threat. He led Clemson with 29 stolen bases in 2025.
Bakich talked about what kind of player, teammate, and person Purify is.
“He’s one of our true leaders,” the Clemson head coach said. “Not just on our team, but in the conference and across college baseball. His best baseball is ahead of him.”
Bakich added: “He plays with tremendous energy — he’s like a bolt of lightning out there.”
Knaak and Purify look to be big-time contenders for Clemson during the 2026 college baseball season.
NCAA News: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Clemson coach Erik Bakich jogs across the field before an NCAA regional baseball game against High Point on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson won 4-3. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
