Why first 5 games will make or break Dabo Swinney, Clemson football in 2026
Clemson football needs a strong start in 2026 to avoid being in a similar position like last season. Here are the Tigers' toughest games.
CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney is confident Clemson football has enough talent and dollars to compete with the top teams nationally. That optimism will be tested in the Tigers' first five games of 2026. Clemson will face LSU , Georgia Southern, North Carolina, Cal and Miami to begin the year.
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 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.
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