Dabo Swinney gives Clemson unique label during NIL era

Like many college programs across the country, Dabo Swinney and Clemson football are looking for their edge in the chaos that is the NIL era.

While schools are looking under every rock and couch cushion to find funding for lucrative NIL packages, Swinney spoke to the Tigers' zag approach that he believes works for them.

"Our process is different. But that’s why we lead the nation in retention. Our process is proven," Swinney said on Greg McElroy's Always College Football podcast. "We have a culture, and I think it’s incredible. We’re a developmental program. Now, the world has changed. There are 105 scholarships now… we’ve signed 16 portal guys in six years. But you have to use it now. That’s not a source for us, but it’s a resource.”

Swinney still believes in the magic of infrastructure and continuity rather than the power of blank checks.

“I’m not willing to compromise or sacrifice having a strong culture and getting away from what’s always won here, and that purpose and everyone being aligned with a purpose. There’s an alignment here. And again, there’s a price. There’s a transaction that has to happen, but if you get alignment right with the people who fit your purpose, who fit the people, who fit the place, who are passionate and really value what you value within your program, all that other stuff will work out and make sense.”

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