Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

ACC Media Days: Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney Fires Back at Doubters

Originally posted on College Football News
By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 3:24 PM ET

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney addressed criticism surrounding his program’s recent success during ACC Football Kickoff. He firmly stood by the Tigers’ record.

“Every single player who’s come through Clemson since I got here in February 2009 has left with a championship, ACC or national,” Swinney said. “That’s not opinion, that’s fact. The narratives can say what they want.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Clemson faces an early challenge.

Clemson’s 2025 Schedule Offers a Mix of Tests and Opportunities

The Tigers open at Georgia Tech, then host LSU, the other “Death Valley Tigers,” in a key matchup at Memorial Stadium. That game will likely set the tone for what promises to be a season full of ups and downs.

After LSU, Clemson has home games against Syracuse, SMU, and a talented Duke squad.

Florida State, expected to improve, also visits Death Valley.

Importantly, Clemson avoids some traditional ACC powerhouses like Miami, NC State, Pitt, and Virginia Tech. That should help their playoff push.

Still, the schedule isn’t without challenges.

Road trips to Louisville and South Carolina late in the season add pressure. Plus, with only one home game in the first month, Clemson will need to start strong. While some losses seem likely, Clemson looks positioned to make the College Football Playoff once again.

Even if the Tigers don’t win the ACC title, their path to the postseason is clearer than in recent years.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: