The first wave of preseason bowl projections is beginning to paint a picture of how national outlets view Clemson football entering the 2026 season, and the outlook isn't especially optimistic.
After a 7-6 finish a year ago, the Tigers are facing more questions than they've had in quite some time. Dabo Swinney spent the offseason trying to spark a turnaround by reshaping parts of his coaching staff, including bringing back former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, while also replacing a large group of players who moved on to the NFL.
Athlon Sports believes Clemson will improve enough to earn a postseason trip, but not enough to seriously challenge for the ACC championship or a College Football Playoff berth.
The publication has the Tigers matched up with Washington in the Holiday Bowl, a game Clemson has never played in. If that prediction becomes reality, it would also mark the first meeting between the two schools.
Athlon's conference forecast is just as telling. The Tigers are picked to finish fourth in the ACC, behind the league's top contenders and outside the championship game.
After a 7-6 finish a year ago, the Tigers are facing more questions than they've had in quite some time. Dabo Swinney spent the offseason trying to spark a turnaround by reshaping parts of his coaching staff, including bringing back former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, while also replacing a large group of players who moved on to the NFL.
Athlon Sports believes Clemson will improve enough to earn a postseason trip, but not enough to seriously challenge for the ACC championship or a College Football Playoff berth.
The publication has the Tigers matched up with Washington in the Holiday Bowl, a game Clemson has never played in. If that prediction becomes reality, it would also mark the first meeting between the two schools.
Athlon's conference forecast is just as telling. The Tigers are picked to finish fourth in the ACC, behind the league's top contenders and outside the championship game.
17 days ago
