Clemson football is ranked No. 22 in CBS Sports' post-spring top 25 for the 2026 season, just below Washington and above Florida. This ranking reflects Dabo Swinney's consistency rather than current team talent.
Key points
Clemson is ranked No. 22 in CBS Sports' post-spring top 25 for 2026.
The Tigers are ranked below Washington and above Florida.
Clemson was previously unranked in early rankings after the national championship.
Dabo Swinney's consistency is credited for the ranking.
Christopher Vizzina will be the starting quarterback.
Mentioned in this story
Dabo SwinneyChristopher VizzinaBrandon Marcello
Clemson TigersWashington HuskiesFlorida Gators
With the spring practice period over in college football, national outlets are taking another look at where teams land in their way-too-early rankings for the 2026 season, including the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson was previously unranked in veteran college football reporter and analyst Brandon Marcello's way-too-early top 25 the day after the College Football Playoff national championship in January.
It probably doesn't inspire a lot of confidence that Marcello likens the Tigers' ranking at No. 22 as little more than a credit to Dabo Swinney:
"This ranking is more a credit to Dabo Swinney's consistency rather than the talent on board. What's old is new again at Clemson with Swinney sticking to what's familiar rather than stretching his boundaries. Christopher Vizzina steps in as the starting quarterback with coordinator Chad Morris returning after a decade away from Clemson. The defense won the spring game, with the first-teamers combining for nine sacks, but only two offensive starters were on the field. Tom Allen is calling plays for a second year."
Vizzina has started one game for Clemson, last October in the Tigers' 35-24 loss to SMU at Memorial Stadium. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns.
Vizzina will be a redshirt junior in 2026 and has thrown 105 career passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. A four-star recruit out of Briarwood Christian in Birmingham in the class of 2023, Vizzina chose the Tigers over Auburn, Arkansas and others.
Q&A
What is Clemson football's ranking in CBS Sports' post-spring top 25 for 2026?
Clemson football is ranked No. 22 in CBS Sports' post-spring top 25 for the 2026 season.
Which teams are ranked just above and below Clemson in the CBS Sports rankings?
Clemson is ranked just below the Washington Huskies and just above the Florida Gators in the CBS Sports rankings.
Why was Clemson previously unranked in the way-too-early top 25 rankings?
Clemson was previously unranked in Brandon Marcello's way-too-early top 25 rankings following the College Football Playoff national championship in January.
Who is the starting quarterback for Clemson football in the 2026 season?
Christopher Vizzina is stepping in as the starting quarterback for Clemson football in the 2026 season.
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Ranking three best ACC football teams after spring practice 2026
Sep 6, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the ACC logo on an end zone pylon during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Baylor Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the ACC logo on an end zone pylon during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Baylor Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The ACC had just three teams in CBS Sports'Ā top 25 post-spring rankings, tied with the Big 12 for the fewest of the Power Four conferences. The SEC led the way with 10 teams while the Big Ten was second with eight teams.
Here's a look at which ACC teams were ranked, and where.
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) after the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) throws near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs near Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs(0) lines up for a play during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson kicker Robert Gunn III (38) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) hits Clemson receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs (74) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) passes during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) hands off to Clemson running back Max Wilson (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Trent Pearman (14) passes during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson cornerback Marcell Gipson Jr (25) tackles Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson receiver Jalen Brown-Wallace (86) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (0) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Ronan O'Connell (77) and offensive lineman Harris Sewell (55) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson defensive end Patrick Swygert (97) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) and Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) greet each other after the coin toss before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back David Eziomume (24) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) runs near Clemson cornerback Misun Kelley (10) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scores during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Braden Wilmes (79) and Clemson defensive end Armon Mason (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) listens to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs near wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Elijah Thurmon (52) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) after the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
3 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) throws near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs near Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
6 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs(0) lines up for a play during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) runs during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
8 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson kicker Robert Gunn III (38) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) gets ready to pass near running back Chris Johnson Jr (16) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) hits Clemson receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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ESPN makes predictions for Clemsonās next man up after NFL Draft
Clemson offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs (74) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) passes during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Brock Bradley (5) hands off to Clemson running back Max Wilson (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Trent Pearman (14) passes during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson cornerback Marcell Gipson Jr (25) tackles Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson receiver Jalen Brown-Wallace (86) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (0) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson offensive lineman Ronan O'Connell (77) and offensive lineman Harris Sewell (55) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson defensive end Patrick Swygert (97) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson linebacker Fletcher Cothran (50) and Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) greet each other after the coin toss before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back David Eziomume (24) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) runs near Clemson cornerback Misun Kelley (10) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
26 / 32
Where Clemson football ranks in CBS Sports' post-spring top 25
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and receiver Clark Sanderson (20) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scores during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson offensive lineman Braden Wilmes (79) and Clemson defensive end Armon Mason (34) during the fourth quarter at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
30 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) listens to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
31 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) runs near wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
32 / 32
Photos from Clemson football 2026 spring game
Clemson offensive lineman Elijah Thurmon (52) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson football schedule 2026
Clemson opens the 2026 season againstĀ LSUĀ on Sept. 5 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.
Here's a full look at the Tigers' 2026 regular-season schedule. Kickoff times and TV channel designations have not been announced.
