Dabo Swinney's Clemson football team faces a crucial start in 2026 with their first five games against strong opponents. After a disappointing 2025 season, these matches will be pivotal for the team's success and playoff aspirations.
Key points
Dabo Swinney is confident in Clemson's talent and resources.
Clemson's first five games in 2026 are against tough opponents.
Clemson had a disappointing 7-6 record in 2025.
The team's poor start in 2025 affected their playoff opportunities.
The upcoming season is critical for Swinney's future with the program.
Mentioned in this story
Dabo Swinney
Clemson TigersLSUGeorgia SouthernNorth Carolina
Why first 5 games will make or break Dabo Swinney, Clemson football in 2026
CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney is confident Clemson football has enough talent and dollars to compete with the top teams nationally.
In 2025, Clemson went 7-6, the second-worst year in Swinney's full 17 seasons. The Tigers started 1-3, losing to LSU, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. That essentially eliminated Clemson's chances of making the College Football Playoff and ACC Championship.
The Tigers could face similar troubles in 2026 if they stumble in their first five games.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Q&A
What teams will Clemson football face in their first five games of 2026?
Clemson will face LSU, Georgia Southern, North Carolina, Cal, and Miami in their first five games of the 2026 season.
How did Clemson perform in the 2025 season under Dabo Swinney?
Clemson finished the 2025 season with a record of 7-6, marking one of the worst seasons in Dabo Swinney's tenure.
Why are the first five games critical for Clemson football in 2026?
The first five games are critical as they will test the team's talent and determine their chances for the College Football Playoff and ACC Championship.
What were the outcomes of Clemson's first four games in 2025?
In 2025, Clemson started the season 1-3, losing to LSU, Georgia Tech, and Syracuse, which significantly impacted their playoff chances.
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Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Collin Sadler (50) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson offensive lineman Chapman Pendergrass (65) during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, middle, with fiancée is Macey Matthews and parents
Tod and Kim Klubnik, during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnic, left, gets a hug from former quarterback Tajh Boyd as his name is added to the walk of captains along Tiger Walk, before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Fans look at the walk of captains before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Fans look at the walk of captains before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Fans play corn hole before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Family of 2025-26 captains honorees pose before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Tristan Leigh honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Tyler Venables honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Blake Miller honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Wade Woodaz honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Cade Klubnik honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Adam Randall honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Walker Parks honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photographers look at names to be revealed along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Securty on the rooftops of Memorial Stadium during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Photographers get ready for Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks about the importance of each season of team captains honored along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks about the importance of each season of team captains honored along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former football players Adam Randall, left, Cade Klubnik, and Walker Parks at the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, middle, with fiancée is Macey Matthews and parents
Tod and Kim Klubnik, during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former Clemson offensive lineman Walker Parks with family during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller with family during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson safety Polo Anderson (11), left, and safety Kylon Griffin (18), middle, during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson safety Kylon Griffin (18), middle,during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser (81) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during Tiger Walk before 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 reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson defensive end Darien Mayo (49) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson defensive end Darien Mayo (49) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson defensive lineman Amare Adams (95) during Tiger Walk before 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 Tiger Walk before 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 Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton (2) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr (12) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson safety Noah Dixon (27) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson receiver Charlie Johnson (85) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
New team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Former Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (8) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson offensive lineman Collin Sadler (50) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson offensive lineman Chapman Pendergrass (65) during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, middle, with fiancée is Macey Matthews and parents
Tod and Kim Klubnik, during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnic, left, gets a hug from former quarterback Tajh Boyd as his name is added to the walk of captains along Tiger Walk, before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Fans look at the walk of captains before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Fans look at the walk of captains before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Fans play corn hole before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Family of 2025-26 captains honorees pose before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Tristan Leigh honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Tyler Venables honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Blake Miller honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Wade Woodaz honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Cade Klubnik honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Adam Randall honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Walker Parks honorary captain before the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Photographers look at names to be revealed along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Securty on the rooftops of Memorial Stadium during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Photographers get ready for Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney waves to fans and greets them at Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks about the importance of each season of team captains honored along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks about the importance of each season of team captains honored along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former football players Adam Randall, left, Cade Klubnik, and Walker Parks at the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, middle, with fiancée is Macey Matthews and parents
Tod and Kim Klubnik, during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former Clemson offensive lineman Walker Parks with family during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller with family during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson safety Polo Anderson (11), left, and safety Kylon Griffin (18), middle, during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson safety Kylon Griffin (18), middle,during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser (81) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson offensive lineman Brayden Jacobs (74) during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson defensive end Darien Mayo (49) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson defensive end Darien Mayo (49) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Sammy Brown, Clemson Tigers football linebacker for coach Dabo Swinney
Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown (47) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson defensive lineman Amare Adams (95) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson wide receiver Gordon Sellars III (19) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson receiver Jalen Brown-Wallace (86) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton (2) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson receiver Tyler Brown (6) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr (12) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson safety Noah Dixon (27) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Clemson receiver Charlie Johnson (85) during Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
New team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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Clemson spring football game, Dabo Swinney, Christopher Vizzina see our best photos
Former Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz during the reveal of new team captain markers along Tiger Walk before the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Clemson could start the season with a 2-3 record as the Tigers' toughest games will come against LSU on the road on Sept. 5 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), Cal on the road on Sept. 25 and Miami on Oct. 3.
What LSU, Lane Kiffin will bring against Clemson
Clemson vs. LSU will be Lane Kiffin's coaching debut for LSU after he departed from Ole Miss after the 2025 regular season. He brought in the best transfer-portal class, according to 247Sports, led by Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. LSU also landed former Clemson defensive tackle Stephiylan Green.
This will be Clemson's first time playing at LSU's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Whoever wins Clemson's starting quarterback competition between redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina and freshman Tait Reynolds will have his first career road start in one of the toughest places to play.
Why Cal could upset Clemson in Week 4
Clemson will host Georgia Southern, a Group of Six program, on Sept. 12, then UNC, which had one of the worst offenses last season under coach Bill Belichick, on Sept. 19.
Next is a road trip to Cal for a Friday night game on Sept. 25.
Cal retained Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele after his strong freshman season when he threw for 3,454 yards for 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Golden Bears went 7-6 but had a 4-2 record at home with a notable win against SMU to close the regular season.
With Clemson playing its first conference game on the West coast in program history and having only six days to prepare, Cal could knock off the Tigers in a game that could potentially start at 9, 10 or 11 p.m. ET.
Miami retooled roster after losing in national championship
Clemson will next host Miami, the national championship runnerup, on Oct. 3. The Hurricanes brought in Duke transfer Darian Mensah to replace Carson Beck. But Miami also has to replace key players on the offensive and defensive line, including defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
Still, Miami brought in the fourth-best transfer-portal class and enters 2026 as the team to beat in the ACC under coach Mario Cristobal.
Why Clemson football's second-half schedule is more favorable
Clemson will enter an open date in Week 6 following its game against Miami then host Charleston Southern, an in-state FCS school.
Clemson's final five ACC games are against Virginia Tech, Florida State, Syracuse, Georgia Tech and Duke. All of these teams have undergone either coaching or quarterback changes or have questions around their roster.
Clemson's toughest game will be against the Hokies and their new coach James Franklin on Oct. 24. Virginia Tech hired him after Penn State fired him midseason, but Franklin has added some of his former players from the Nittany Lions, including likely starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer.
Another key game will come against Georgia Tech on Nov. 14. The Yellow Jackets lost quarterback Haynes King and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, but their tough, run-heavy offense can give Clemson's defense fits like Georgia Tech did against the Tigers last season.
FSU coach Mike Norvell enters 2026 on one of the hottest seats in college football, Duke will try to repeat as ACC champions after losing Mensah and Syracuse's roster is young and banking on quarterback Steve Angeli to recover fully from his ACL tear.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00