Carter III Ties Father's Record in Clemson Win
Clemson's Jerome Carter III recorded his first interception and sack as a Tiger in a 36-24 victory over Florida State.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Football
Clemson defeated Florida State 36-24 on Saturday in Doak Campbell Stadium. Jerome Carter III recorded his first interception and sack as a Clemson player, tying his father's school record.
Why it matters
The result and the personal milestone highlight the transfer-portal path that brought Carter III to Clemson after two seasons at Old Dominion University. The game also marked a return to Tallahassee for a family with a long tie to Florida State.
Carter III finished with five tackles, including two for loss, plus a pass breakup, an interception and a sack, ranking third on the Clemson defense in tackles. The source does not indicate how his usage will shift in future games.
The players
Jerome Carter III
A Clemson defensive back who transferred after two seasons at Old Dominion University and recorded six interceptions there as a sophomore.
Jerome Carter II
Carter III's father, who previously played defensive back for Florida State and later coached youth teams in Lake City, Fla.
The details
Carter III's interception and sack came during Clemson's win in Doak Campbell Stadium. His father, Jerome Carter II, played defensive back for Florida State and coached youth teams in Lake City, Fla.
Timeline
Winter 2023: Carter III attended Florida State's Junior Day.
Last winter: Carter III visited Clemson during his transfer portal stint.
January: Carter III took an official visit to South Carolina's Upstate.
Saturday: Clemson defeated Florida State 36-24 in Doak Campbell Stadium.
Season Trajectory
The 2003 Clemson win over Florida State, which came in Dabo Swinney's first year as wide receivers coach, provides the historical backdrop for this 2026 result. The victory adds to a long rivalry series in which personnel ties between the programs remain a recurring storyline.
Carter III's five tackles and two tackles for loss, along with his pass breakup, interception and sack, give Clemson's defense another contributor to track. Fantasy and roster observers can note his third-place tackle ranking on the defense when evaluating Clemson's backfield.
The takeaway
Carter III's performance shows how a transfer can turn a family connection into an immediate on-field impact. Readers following Clemson can watch whether his defensive role expands in the coming weeks.
Further reading
Explore more Tallahassee Football coverage for context on this rivalry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Clemson Insider.
