Clemson Tigers basketball suffer a tough overtime loss to NC State, exposing a glaring need for a true closer in high-pressure moments. Can Brad Brownell’s "win by committee" system hold up as March approaches, or will the lack of a reliable late-game scorer haunt the Tigers in ACC play and beyond?

Morgan Thomas breaks down the Will Wade effect as the Clemson grad once again outmaneuvers his alma mater, while analyzing key performances from R.J. Godfrey and the impact of missed free throws and critical turnovers. The discussion tackles Clemson's upcoming road tests, the challenges ahead for Brownell's squad, and whether balance alone is enough for a deep postseason run. The hunt for a superstar guard or big man intensifies—will anyone step up before tournament time?

00:00 "Clemson Basketball's Closer Struggles"
06:21 "Challenges of Student-Athlete Life"
08:59 ACC Basketball Thrills and Struggles
12:50 "Clemson Hoops & Everydayer Club"
14:50 "Teamwork Drives Clemson's Success"
18:47 "Clemson's Free Throw Struggles"
23:02 "Realistic Goals for Clemson"
24:33 Clemson Lacks a Game-Changer
28:43 Clemson Fans: Subscribe and Engage!

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Clemson Football faces a crucial crossroads—can the Tigers return to championship glory without breaking the NIL bank? Morgan Thomas spotlights Indiana’s remarkable 16-0 national title run, led by Fernando Mendoza and a roster built on grit, discipline, and culture rather than five-star recruits or flashy transfers. The episode questions the narrative that money rules college football, using Indiana’s blue-collar formula as proof that Clemson, with its proud tradition and ACC resources, still has a path to the top.

Key discussion points include Christopher Vezina’s potential to seize his moment, lessons from Indiana’s underdog mentality, and whether Dabo Swinney’s player evaluation and development strategies need a reset. Morgan Thomas tackles the pitfalls of hiring from within, the enduring importance of hunger and physicality, and how Clemson can reignite its identity. Can the Tigers recapture their edge and prove national contenders don’t have to be the sport’s biggest spenders?

00:00 Indiana Outlasts Miami

03:32 Indiana Defies Odds in Football

09:01 "Clemson's Missed Opportunities Analyzed"

11:48 "Mendoza's Heisman Moment"

15:29 "Quarterback Consistency Over Star Power"

20:25 "Player Fit Over Star Power"

21:56 Clemson’s Challenges: Evaluation and Development

27:32 "Clemson's Strategy and Recruitment Challenges"

29:46 "Locked On Clemson Access"

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Clemson Tigers fans get a reality check and a roadmap to resurgence as Morgan Thomas breaks down the first half of the national championship game between Indiana and Miami. Can Clemson return to college football’s elite without megastar quarterbacks or massive NIL budgets? Morgan Thomas argues disciplined play, a dominant line of scrimmage, and clear team identity—exemplified by Indiana’s gritty performance—are the blueprint for the Tigers’ comeback.

Key topics include Clemson’s transfer portal strategy, the impact of Christopher Vezina’s potential at quarterback, and the crucial roles of Braden Jacobs, Amari Adams, and Chad Morris in the Tigers’ rebuild. With insights on Dabo Swinney’s philosophy and the evolving landscape of college football, Morgan Thomas challenges fans to focus on fundamentals—not flash—as Clemson eyes a playoff return in 2026. Are championships still won in the trenches? The answer might surprise you.

00:00 National Championship Insights & Analysis
05:35 "Clemson's Transfer Portal Struggles"
09:42 "Brad Brownell and Clemson's Future"
11:30 "Join Locked On Discord Now"
15:32 "Clemson's Playoff Potential Analyzed"
17:35 Clemson's Playoff Chances Analyzed
24:07 Focus on Run Game Dominance
25:05 "Clemson's Path: Build the Trenches"

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Clemson Tigers silence doubters as defensive tackle portal moves reshape their roster. Did Dabo Swinney’s calculated spending pay off, or do fans still have reason to worry about the trenches?

Morgan Thomas breaks down Clemson’s strategic approach to transfer portal acquisitions, spotlighting key additions like Courtney Kelly and Marcus Strong at defensive tackle, plus the pivotal retention of freshman linebacker Luke Forelli amid heavy tampering pressure from Ole Miss. Key discussion points include the impact of losing stars like Peter Woods and Stephiylan Green, the expectation for Amari Adams to anchor the defensive front, and why Clemson is betting on roster balance instead of going all-in for a high-priced quarterback like Darian Mensa. From NIL negotiations to predictions for Christopher Vezina under center, the episode asks: Is building around core talent the blueprint Clemson needs to reclaim ACC supremacy?

00:00 "Locked On Clemson Introduction"
05:22 Defensive Line Concerns and Evaluations
08:03 Clemson's Transfer Strategy Uncertainty
13:08 Portal Chaos and Player Tampering
17:03 Clemson's Calculated Rebuild Strategy
20:33 "Exclusive Football Fan Community"
22:01 "Prioritizing Team Over Pricey QB"
26:50 "Player Performance and Accountability"
27:49 Clemson's QB Decision

Everydayer Club
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FanDuel
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Clemson faces a high-stakes showdown as the Tigers prepare to open their 2026 season against LSU in Baton Rouge. With Christopher Vizzina thrust into the starting quarterback role despite minimal experience, fans and staff alike are questioning whether loyalty and internal development can deliver results on college football’s biggest stages. Does Clemson risk too much by sidestepping the transfer portal, and can Vizzina handle the pressure against LSU’s formidable defense?

Morgan Thomas examines Dabo Swinney’s unwavering commitment to succession, dismissing the notion of a true quarterback battle and asserting that the offense will be built to support Vizzina rather than showcase him. Key topics include Clemson’s transfer portal strategy, offensive line upgrades, and the broader implications of Swinney’s choices for the future of the Tigers’ program. Will this calculated approach silence critics, or will early struggles lead to unprecedented accountability for Clemson’s coaching staff?

00:00 "Clemson Fans Debate QB Future"
05:17 "Quarterback Depth and Injury Concerns"
07:38 Clemson's QB Dilemma
13:18 "Dabo's QB Decisions Analyzed"
14:26 "Vizzina Secures Top QB Role"
21:02 "Vizzina's Test Against LSU"
22:53 "Success Hinges on Fundamentals"
27:02 Clemson's Recruiting and QB Strategy

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Miami Hurricanes surge toward a national title after a playoff rollercoaster—can they topple the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and silence the ACC doubters? The ACC Squad break down Miami’s unlikely run, dissecting Carson Beck’s clutch performances, Mark Fletcher’s playoff heroics, and Mario Cristobal’s game strategy as Miami faces Indiana’s relentless, disciplined defense led by Fernando Mendoza.

Debate heats up over whether Miami’s run validates the ACC, with spirited takes on conference pride, bowl records, and what it will take for ACC teams to sustain success. Panelists share bold predictions, raise questions about positional battles, and spotlight X-factors like Malachi Toney and Akheem Mesidor, along with special teams play. Will Miami’s dominant D-line disrupt the Hoosiers’ rhythm, or is Indiana’s efficiency simply too much? Dive into the ultimate national championship preview packed with expert insight, controversy, and ACC pride.

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Clemson Tigers shake up the college football landscape with a calculated transfer portal strategy. Are fans finally seeing needed roster evolution, or is frustration still brewing over missed five-star splashes and offensive line gaps? Morgan Thomas spotlights Dabo Sweeney’s adaptive approach, targeting players with multiple years of eligibility and addressing crucial weaknesses at defensive back and running back. The discussion analyzes high-profile misses at defensive tackle and offensive line, the NIL-driven market, and whether Clemson’s disciplined spending will pay off on the field.

Basketball takes center stage as Brad Brownell’s Clemson squad delivers a dominant win over Boston College. Morgan Thomas contrasts football’s evolving portal tactics with basketball’s masterful roster building, emphasizing team versatility and culture. Key insights include the value of flexible additions like Chris Johnson Jr., the impact of coaching changes under Chad Morris, and what Clemson fans should expect from upcoming transfer pursuits. Is this the reset both Tiger programs need for a new era of success?

00:00 Clemson Fans' Frustrations Persist
05:22 "Calculated Long-Term Team Strategy"
08:33 Clemson Adjusts with Transfer Class
11:16 Clemson Recruiting Struggles Persist
14:32 "Clemson's Portal Struggles: D-Line"
18:12 Clemson’s Offense: Unfinished Business
23:24 Performance-Based Pay Drives Success
25:30 "Transfer Portal Challenges and Strategy"
28:07 "Join Locked On Clemson"

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
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Wayfair
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FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Clemson’s transfer portal run looks chaotic if you’re reacting day to day — but when you zoom out, a clear strategy emerges.

In this episode, we break down:

Why Clemson’s portal class started almost entirely on defense

Why defensive tackle is the hardest position to fix in college football

What missing on certain targets really means

How one offensive addition changed the entire tone of this portal cycle

This isn’t a panic reaction or blind optimism — it’s a full explanation of the plan Clemson is executing and why it looks the way it does.

If you’ve been asking “what is Clemson actually doing?” — this show is for you.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Wayfair
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Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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