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The Clemson Tigers are preparing to face LSU in their season opener this Saturday, and very few are giving them a real chance to win.

Gone are the days when Clemson was favored almost every week. After a 7-6 campaign last year and a rather lackluster offseason, the Tigers are now underdogs.

However, one would be foolish to completely discount Clemson in this affair. Dabo Swinney remains a great coach (regardless of what the naysayers believe), and the Tigers have ample talent on both sides of the ball.

But outside of Christopher Vizzina, who is the most obvious answer here, who are three Clemson players we should all be watching most closely in Baton Rouge?

Let's take a look.

T.J. Moore, WR

I believe that T.J. Moore is one of the most underrated wide receivers in the country heading into the season. Heck, he might even be overlooked on his own team.

Many have Bryant Wesco Jr. tabbed as Clemson's best receiver, but I actually think it's Moore, who was one of the few consistent forces for the Tigers in 2025.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound weapon hauled in 52 receptions for 837 yards and four touchdowns last season, averaging a hefty 16.1 yards per catch.

Moore could end up being one of the top receivers in the 2027 NFL Draft class, and that's saying something considering how deep the position will be next April.

LSU has a couple of nasty cornerbacks in DJ Pickett (who stands 6-foot-4) and PJ Woodland, so this should be a great test for the junior playmaker.

I expect Vizzina to target Moore early and often. If he has a big game, it would mean the world for Clemson's offense.

Amare Adams, DT

The defensive tackle position is one of Clemson's biggest question marks heading into 2026. It lost Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart to the draft, and Vic Burley's arrest resulted in a suspension.

Enter Amare Adams, the former five-star recruit entering his sophomore campaign with the Tigers.

Adams should get a huge opportunity to produce right off the bat, and with LSU's offensive line having some concerns, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound defender could end up making a significant impact.

Swinney will certainly be searching for a top dog on the interior early in the season. Markus Strong and Andy Burburija appear to be Adams' primary competitors, but Adams is the most talented of the bunch.

The time is now for Adams to make his presence felt. If he shows out in Week 1, it could mean a big season is coming from the Jefferson, S.C. product.

Chris Johnson Jr., RB

I am very curious to see how Swinney and offensive coordinator Chad Morris deploy Chris Johnson Jr. this Saturday, and this season in general.

Clemson scooped Johnson up in the transfer portal over the winter, and I truly believe it was one of the most slept on acquisitions in college football this past offseason.

Johnson displayed tremendous explosiveness at SMU, and the Tigers found that out the hard way when they lost to the Mustangs last October (in Vizzina's lone start of 2025, ironically enough).

Gideon Davidson seems to be the lead back for Clemson, but I could absolutely envision a scenario in which Johnson draws nearly even with Davidson in touches, especially given his versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Moore and Wesco will definitely garner most of the attention offensively for the Tigers, but Johnson could actually comprise one of the best weapons Clemson has.

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