Clemson better in 2026? What FOX Sports preseason Top 25 rankings tells us

FOX Sports released its post-spring Top 25 this week, Clemson barely cracked the rankings at No. 22 heading into the 2026 season.

After a frustrating 7-6 finish in 2025, there’s clear pressure surrounding Dabo Swinney entering the fall. Still, FOX’s RJ Young believes the Tigers have enough pieces returning to make a jump back into contention.

Young pointed to the return of Chad Morris to run the offense, Tom Allen staying in charge of the defense, and the potential of quarterback Christopher Vizzina as reasons Clemson could bounce back.

“Offensive coordinator Chad Morris is back. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen stayed. Quarterback Christopher Vizzina looks the part,” Young said. “But head coach Dabo Swinney enters 2026 with his back against the wall. Clemson produced more NFL Draft picks (nine) than wins (seven) in 2025, a reality that makes this season about more than merely hanging around the top 25. Swinney knows it, which is why I think Clemson responds.”

Miami led the ACC representation at No. 7, while SMU joined Clemson in the rankings at No. 23. Clemson’s opening game against LSU also looks even bigger with the Tigers from Baton Rouge coming in at No. 8 nationally.

Not everyone is completely sold on Clemson’s offseason momentum, though.

CBS Sports recently discussed ACC spring overreactions, and Austin Nivison questioned whether Morris returning automatically solves the offensive issues that plagued the Tigers last season.

“Chad Morris is back to end all the offensive woes: The last time Morris helmed the offense at Clemson, the Tigers averaged more than 40 points per game in back-to-back seasons from 2012-13. That was also more than a decade ago — and with all due respect to presumed starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina — I’m not sure how well he compares to Tahj Boyd,” Nivison said. “It’s certainly plausible that the Tigers’ offense improves after a disappointing 2025 campaign, but recent dips in recruiting may have capped that unit’s ceiling.”