Clemson baseball opens 2026 vs. Army: Knaak starts Friday, Sharman slotted for Saturday
Clemson baseball raises the curtain on its 2026 season this weekend at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, opening a three-game set against Army West Point. First pitch in the season opener is Friday at 4 p. m. ET, with gates set to open at 2: 30 p. m. ET. Right-hander Aidan Knaak gets the ball on Opening Day, with left-hander Michael Sharman scheduled to start Saturday. Sunday’s starter remains to be determined as the Tigers navigate early-season health considerations.
Probable pitching matchups
The Tigers will counter Army’s right-hander Andrew Berg on Friday with Knaak, the veteran righty who anchors Clemson’s rotation. Saturday’s game at 2 p. m. ET features Sharman against Army right-hander Robbie Penswick. Both clubs list Sunday’s pitchers as to be announced for the noon ET series finale.
Knaak, a two-time first-team All-ACC selection across his first two seasons, brings a proven track record into Opening Day. Over 31 career starts, he is 14-2 with a 3. 71 ERA, 173. 2 innings pitched, 218 strikeouts, and just 58 walks. Opponents have hit. 217 against him, and his 11. 30 strikeouts per nine innings rank among the best in program history.
Knaak leads the way; Sharman’s versatile role
Head coach Erik Bakich made clear the Tigers would hand the ball to Knaak to launch the campaign, framing the junior as the steadying force atop the staff. “The plan always has been Aidan Knaak, ” Bakich said earlier in the week.
On Saturday, Clemson turns to Sharman, a transfer left-hander who logged a 3. 18 ERA last season across 17 appearances (three starts). In 22. 2 innings, he allowed 19 hits and 10 walks with 25 strikeouts and only one home run surrendered. The Tigers value Sharman’s command profile and flexibility; he’s capable of starting or providing length out of the bullpen as matchups dictate.
Sunday outlook and health notes
Clemson has not named a Sunday starter, with multiple factors still in play. Right-hander Drew Titsworth is unavailable for the opening weekend, and lefty Talan Bell is a leading option to cover one of the first three games. A flu bug working through the clubhouse could influence final decisions as the series approaches, leaving the Tigers prepared to pivot between multi-inning options and matchup-based relief if needed.
Game times, gates and the fan experience
First pitch Friday is set for 4 p. m. ET, followed by a 2 p. m. ET start Saturday and a noon ET finale on Sunday. Gates open at 2: 30 p. m. ET for the opener. Fans heading to Doug Kingsmore Stadium will notice an updated concessions layout behind the main grandstand. New for 2026, the area has been converted into a walk-through, grab-and-go design intended to speed up lines and streamline checkout.
Menu highlights include barbecue nachos, chicken tenders with fries, loaded cheese fries and pizza near the home-plate concourse, while the outfield stand features a foot-long hot dog with customizable toppings, a cinnamon Bavarian pretzel and pretzel bites. A new food truck joins the lineup this spring, and a popular cookie vendor returns to the ballpark.
How to follow the series
Streaming and radio coverage will be available throughout the weekend, with live audio offered on the team’s regular network of affiliates. Fans can also track live updates through official team channels and in-stadium video boards.
Series context and what’s at stake
Clemson enters Opening Day carrying a top-20 national profile after last year’s surge under Bakich. The Tigers will lean on a deep, veteran lineup and a rotation fronted by Knaak to set the tone in February. Army arrives seeking to spoil the home opener and build early momentum behind Berg and Penswick, with both sides still calibrating roles before conference play approaches.
With a marquee arm on Friday, a versatile lefty on Saturday and an open lane to evaluate options on Sunday, Clemson has structured the weekend to both compete now and learn quickly about its staff. The series offers a first look at how the Tigers blend established stars with new faces in 2026—and how a retooled game-day experience at Doug Kingsmore meets rising demand from an energized fan base.
