Jacob Jarrell returns for the 2026 season as one of the most established leaders in the program. A senior catcher from Florence, S.C., Jarrell has become a steady presence behind the plate and in the middle of Clemson’s lineup, known for his power, preparation and leadership, both on and off the field.
Jarrell’s path to Clemson began long before he stepped on campus. Growing up around the game, he developed an early love for baseball and gravitated toward the backstop position.
His mother, Melissa, played softball at North Carolina and was the head coach at UNCW for seven seasons.
“I was always around the facilities and coaches growing up, and now it feels like I live here,” said Jarrell.
Since arriving at Clemson, Jarrell has grown into a cornerstone of the Tigers’ roster. Whether it is managing the pitching staff or delivering clutch hits, Jarrell has earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
As Clemson prepares for another season with postseason expectations, Jarrell’s experience and leadership will play a key role in guiding a talented roster forward.
Jarrell made an immediate impact in the lineup, starting 27 games during his freshman season in 2023. His sophomore year saw a spike in offensive production, increasing his batting average to .289. He was also named an ACC Academic Honor Roll member in each of his first two seasons.
The Tigers are coming off a 45-win season, but they suffered a bitter end with a loss in the Clemson Regional.
“It definitely left a sour taste in our mouths. I remember we walked into the locker room and everyone was upset and we knew that’s not what we’re capable of. This year, we definitely have that in the back of our minds, but we’re moving forward. We’re focused on what’s next.”
The program hopes what is next is a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The goal of going to Omaha has been the main one for the program and a regular talking point, something Head Coach Erik Bakich said has changed this year.
“All we’ve done for three years is talk about Omaha,” said Bakich. “It’s at the point now where we just need to shut up and go.”
“At some point, it’s just about doing it,” stated Jarrell. “That’s been the message this year. We know what we’re capable of. Now, it’s about putting our product on the field instead of talking about it.”
During the 2025 season, Jarrell served as a team co-captain and earned national recognition as a Buster Posey Award Watch List member while hitting .263 with a team-high 15 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a .515 slugging percentage. He was also behind the plate for Clemson’s 15th no-hitter in program history and its first since 2009 in a win at Pittsburgh.
After his standout junior season, Jarrell was eligible to be selected in the 2025 MLB draft or sign a free-agent contract, but he instead chose to return to Clemson for his senior year.
“We were not expecting it,” admitted Bakich about Jarrell’s return. “It’s great to not only return a starting catcher who hit 15 home runs, but a leader with a work ethic like that that is second to none.”
Jarrell started 57 games for the Tigers in 2025, while playing the most physically demanding position on the field. Starting three or four games a week behind the plate makes his recovery crucial.
“We have so many devices to help us stay healthy, including ice baths and hot tubs. The community here really pours into the athletes so we can stay healthy and play our best.”
In addition to his strong numbers at and behind the plate, Jarrell was named a strength & conditioning All-American by the National Strength & Conditioning Association. He became the sixth player in the program since 2018 to earn that honor, joining Ryley Gilliam (2018), Bryce Teodosio (2021), Geoffrey Gilbert (2022), Jackson Lindley (2023) and Blake Wright (2024).
Jarrell often reflects on the relationships that have shaped him over the past four years. Having spent much of his career alongside the same teammates and coaches, he values the growth that has come from those connections.
While the thought of the end of his college journey occasionally crosses his mind, he is focused on the tasks ahead.
“The thought comes through my head sometimes, but I’m trying to be present and help this team.”
Looking back on his freshman year, he credited the coaching staff and veteran players for his development.
“A lot of who I’ve become comes from the coaching staff and older players I met as a freshman.”
It is a perspective that now comes full circle, as he helps guide those who follow him.
