With key pieces returning, Clemson's defense will be among the nation's best in 2024.

The return of RJ Mickens and Barrett Carter could be the catalyst for a special season in 2024 for Clemson football.

While players around the country continue to jump from one school to another, no team's roster has been left unscathed. That's true for Clemson, who has seen wide receiver Beaux Collins, the team's leading receiver, move on to Notre Dame.

They've also been hit on the defensive side of the ball, where defensive backs Toriano Pride Jr. (Missouri) and Andrew Mukuba (Texas) both elected to transfer. With that said the Tigers have also gotten a couple of surprise returns, with linebacker Barrett Carter and safety RJ Mickens electing to return.

RJ Mickens will return to Clemson for the 2024 season / Clemson Athletics

Those announcements are massive for a team looking to land a spot in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin's unit is the reason Clemson was able to get to eight wins this year and a spot in the upcoming TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. While to offense hopefully continues to grow, it appears that Clemson will still be able to lean on its defense.

Carter and Mickens will lead young but talented position groups. As a junior, Carter didn't have the season he was hoping for, but he's an NFL athlete and will be able to mentor five-star Sammy Brown and the rest of that group. Mickens will be a guiding hand for a young but immensely deep secondary. The defensive back room will return four freshmen who recorded interceptions in 2023 and four four-star recruits. The competition to get on the field will be fierce. Both Carter and Mickens are getting a chance to see what some of the new recruits can do during bowl prep. 

Add to that players like TJ Parker and Peter Woods returning on the defensive line and you have all the makings of an elite defense. The Tigers are going to need it as they face Georgia, a team that will likely enter next season as No. 1, in week one at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Georgia recently found out that quarterback Carson Beck will be returning and just signed a couple of huge pieces out of the transfer portal. Clemson will need their defense to show up in a massive way if they're going to have a shot in Atlanta.

After a tough opener, Clemson's 2024 schedule is extremely manageable. If the defense continues to grow and execute like they did this past season, the Tigers should absolutely be fighting for a playoff berth.