Zac Foster tears the same ACL again; Clemson has no return timetable

Clemson guard Zac Foster has torn the same ACL he injured last season, the school announced Tuesday. An MRI performed Monday confirmed the injury, and Clemson has not set a timetable for his return.

The setback interrupts the sophomore's attempt to get back on the floor after more than nine months of rehabilitation. Coach Brad Brownell said the program will keep Foster involved in the team's work while he recovers.

Foster described himself as devastated in the school's announcement and thanked his teammates, coaches and Clemson supporters for their help through the earlier recovery. He said he wants to return to playing at Littlejohn Coliseum.

The Greenville News' Nick Coppola reported that the new tear is in Foster's right knee, the same knee he injured against South Carolina last season. Foster played 12 games during his freshman year before that first injury.

He averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in those appearances, according to Coppola's report. His season high was 14 points against North Alabama in November. Those numbers came from a limited first college season, but they show the production Clemson had hoped to restore to its backcourt.

Foster entered Clemson as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class. His college career has now been interrupted by two injuries to the same knee, with the second arriving before he could complete his return from the first.

The announcement gives Clemson a confirmed diagnosis and leaves the recovery schedule open. It does not identify a surgery date or project when Foster can resume basketball activities. Brownell's statement focused on supporting Foster and keeping him engaged with the team through the next recovery.

Sources

Zac Foster injury announcement · Nick Coppola, Greenville News: Foster repeats ACL injury