Clemson, S.C. — Clemson forward Carter Welling is expected to miss the early part of the 2026-27 season while rehabbing an ACL tear suffered in March, and he is targeting a return around the new year.
Welling went down in the first half of a win over Wake Forest on March 11 in the 2026 ACC Tournament during a layup attempt with a non-contact injury. Clemson announced the next day that the 6-foot-11 forward had torn his ACL. The Tigers then lost to Duke in the ACC Tournament and to Iowa in the NCAA Tournament first round.
Welling started rehabbing immediately for his senior season. He said the current timeline has him on track for a return around the new year, though the exact date could shift earlier or later. He experienced a setback earlier in the offseason and worked through physical therapy underwater before returning to regular drills. He is not practicing at the moment.
Clemson coach Brad Brownell has spent the offseason navigating injuries while trying to build chemistry. The Tigers traveled to Italy this summer, but Brownell said only about half the team could make the trip because of several injuries. He expects the roster to offer great depth once everyone is available and said the team is likely to rely more on its guards than in recent seasons.
In the paint without Welling, Clemson plans to use freshman Will Stevens, sophomore Trent Steinour and senior David Fuchs, plus Samford transfer Dylan Faulkner. Ace Buckner and Faulkner are expected to be ready for the Nov. 2 opener after other offseason injuries. Brownell said Welling return would be a big boost for Clemson interior play.
