Clemson Announces Significant Decision Before SMU Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 10:16 AM ET

The Clemson Tigers have endured an inconsistent 2025 season, entering Week 8 with a 3-3 overall record, 2-2 in ACC play. Ranked No. 4 in the AP preseason poll, expectations were high after a strong recruiting cycle and talk of a return to playoff contention, but the Tigers have struggled at times this season. They lost three of their first four games of the year to the LSU Tigers, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Syracuse Orange and have not been as impressive as many thought.

Their most recent outings, however, have been a step forward — capped by a dominant 41-10 win over the Boston College Eagles in Chestnut Hill. Clemson outgained the Eagles 504-221 and never trailed in the contest. The Tigers are seventh in the ACC standings as they prepare to face the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, looking to secure their third consecutive win and build back some midseason momentum.

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney.© Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Clemson Extends Athletic Director Graham Neff

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Clemson made a major off-field announcement involving athletics director Graham Neff.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Clemson approved a new six-year deal for Neff, keeping him under contract through 2031. His new agreement will pay him an average of more than $2 million annually.

On Friday morning, the university’s board of trustees compensation committee unanimously approved the extension. Per The State’s Chapel Fowler, Neff’s salary will rise from $900,000 to $1.25 million for 2025–26 and gradually increase to $1.75 million by the end of the deal. According to Fowler, Neff also will receive a $300,000 retention bonus in July and an annual $250,000 "name, likeness, trademarks and similar IP" licensing fee, along with potential bonus payments tied to the school's athletic performance.

News: Clemson has approved a long-term contract extension for athletic Graham Neff that will keep him at the university through 2031. Neff will make $1.25 million in total salary for this year. Story to come shortly
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 17, 2025

Neff joined the program as its deputy athletic director in 2013 before being promoted to Clemson’s athletic director role in December 2021. During his tenure as deputy athletic director, the Tigers won national championshps in 2016 and 2018. Neff has overseen stability and growth across multiple programs.

During his tenure as AD, Clemson football has remained a consistent national contender, posting a 34-14 record and multiple double-digit win seasons. Under Neff, the program has also maintained its recruiting strength despite a more competitive ACC landscape.

His extension signals the university’s confidence in his leadership and its commitment to long-term success.

Clemson (3-3, 2-2 ACC) hosts SMU (4-2, 2-0) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, and the game will air on the ACC Network.

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

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