Clemson right-handed pitcher Aidan Knaak has put together a solid career through two seasons with the Tigers. 

In 173 2/3 innings of work, he has a 3.78 ERA and 218 strikeouts

. Knaak is also a two-time first-team All-ACC player. He is the first-ever Clemson pitcher to be All-ACC in his first two seasons.  

Knaak reflected on his Clemson career thus far with World Baseball Network.  

“The last two years have been a great experience for me,” Knaak said. “I have been growing closer with my teammates every single day and really understanding what this program is about. Coach Bakich has created an unbelievable culture here, and it’s something I had never experienced before arriving. Everything we do is geared toward getting better every day and taking that next step toward Omaha.” 

According to MLB Pipeline, Knaak is a top 75 2026 MLB Draft prospect.

Clemson’s Omaha Goals, What Knaak is Focused on This Season 

For Knaak and the rest of the Clemson team, the College World Series seems to be the one goal lingering on their minds.  

The Tigers have not been to the College World Series since 2010. Knaak made it clear that this is priority number one for him and his Clemson teammates.  

“I’m excited to start year three and continue chasing the same goal we’ve had since I got here,” Knaak stated. “The program goal has always been to get to Omaha and have a chance to win a national championship. That’salways been the focus here at Clemson.”  

Knaak also talked about some changes he has made in his own pitching arsenal leading up to this season.  

“I’ve been working on moving more efficiently,” the right-handed pitcher told World Baseball Network. “I also have been cleaning up my arm path, tightening up my lower half, and sharpening my secondary pitches.”  

Knaak Talks About His Teammates Luke Gaffney and Jacob Jarrell  

Knaak stated that Luke Gaffney has been a tough hitter to face throughout Clemson’s fall and preseason practices.  

Gaffney transferred to Clemson from Purdue for the 2025 college baseball season. In two years of playing college baseball, he has a .317 batting average, a .405 on-base percentage, 18 home runs, and 103 RBIs.  

“He [Gaffney] stands out the most,” Knaak said. “He’s been smashing the ball all fall. His consistency and power have really jumped to another level.”  

Knaak also discussed Clemson catcher Jacob Jarrell, who is entering his senior season with the Tigers. He has 100 hits in his career with 26 home runs and 83 RBIs as well. 

As a pitcher who has thrown a lot to the veteran catcher, Knaak praised Jarrell for his leadership and work ethic.  

“JJ [Jarrell] and I have been close since my freshman year,” Knaak said. “He’s a great leader and always in the facility putting in work. He takes everything seriously — nutrition, sleep, recovery — and I’ve learned a lot from him. Our relationship has grown a lot over the years.”  

Up Next for the Clemson Tigers 

The Clemson Tigers will begin the 2026 college baseball season on February 13 against the Army West Point Black Knights.  

The game will be at Clemson’s home ballpark, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, and the first pitch is at 4 p.m. EST.  

NCAA news: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/

 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Clemson Athletics