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Oct 18, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) passes against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. USA TODAY Sports

Can Dabo Swinney Revive Clemson in 2026?

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 2:34 PM ET

Many programs would throw a party for a three-year stretch that resulted in a 26-14 record and one trip to the College Football Playoff. But at Clemson, Dabo Swinney successfully raised the bar to a level which makes it unacceptable. Because of this, there is plenty of off-season debate regarding his ability to bring the Tigers back to national prominence in 2026 and beyond.

There are several important factors that will play an important role in Clemson’s ability to regain their previous stature.

Quarterback Transition

With the graduation of Cade Klubnik, the starting job belongs to junior Christopher Vizzina. There was some thought that Swinney may try to find a veteran in the transfer portal, but that never materialized so the Tigers will roll with who is currently in the room. Vizzina has completed 64 of 105 passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception during his three seasons at Death Valley. Can he play at a level that will have the Tigers competing and winning against a schedule that includes LSU, Miami, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Florida State next season? There is confidence at Clemson that this will happen, but nobody will truly know until the Tigers get on the field.

Oct 18, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) passes against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium.

Effect of the Transfer Portal

As already mentioned, Clemson decided to avoid the transfer portal regarding finding a veteran quarterback. But that shouldn’t have been a surprise, considering Swinney’s continued disregard of the portal. While the Tigers have been a little bit more active over the last two cycles, considering they are coming off a 7-6 season, this would’ve been the time to crank up the level of effort. Instead, they responded by improving a few positions, such as the secondary and defensive line, but left voids at others. Swinney continues to stick to his guns about the portal, and because of this he will also continue to get criticized as long as the Tigers are producing 7-6 seasons.

Coaching Staff Overhaul

While the roster didn’t receive a reboot through the transfer portal, the coaching staff has experienced significant change since the conclusion of the 2025 season. Chad Morris replaces Garrett Riley at offensive coordinator, while there are new coaches at quarterback, safety, nickelback, defensive pass game coordinator and strength and conditioning. This will take time to blend cohesively, which will make the spring extra important for the Tigers.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the Pinstipe Bowl practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

As we sit here in February, it is difficult to envision a way for Clemson to make a significant improvement over 2025. Aside from replacing Klubnik, the Tigers also lost key defensive players like Peter Woods, T.J. Parker, Avieon Terrell, Wade Woodaz and DeMonte Capehart, as well as most of their offensive line and wide receiver Antonio Williams.

As mentioned, a deeper dive into the transfer portal was necessary, but never happened. The Tigers will have to reload through their own returning roster, which will put added pressure on Swinney to prove that his anti-portal methods are correct.

Swinney has accomplished great success with Clemson, but at this point he and the program are trending in a bad direction.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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