Clemson Sought Week 0 Game Before LSU Opener, Records Show

The request was denied, but the Tigers had hoped to play an FCS opponent before their high-profile matchup with LSU.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:31am

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Clemson University had pushed for an NCAA waiver that would have allowed the Tigers to play a Week 0 game against an FCS opponent before their previously scheduled Week 1 opener against LSU. Emails obtained through a public records request show that Clemson athletic director Graham Neff and other administrators advocated for the waiver, citing concerns about athlete recovery related to the team's upcoming road game at Cal. However, the NCAA Division I football oversight committee denied the waiver request, along with about 20 other similar requests from schools across the country.

Why it matters

Clemson has frequently opened its season against high-profile SEC opponents in recent years, but the Tigers have struggled in those matchups, going 0-3 in their last three season openers. Playing a Week 0 game against an FCS opponent would have given Clemson an extra off week and a more manageable start to the 2026 season.

The details

Clemson's request for a Week 0 waiver was denied in December 2025. Had it been approved, the Tigers likely would have played a home game against FCS Charleston Southern in the first weekend of August, before traveling to Baton Rouge to face LSU in Week 1. Clemson's rationale for the waiver was to "create more recovery opportunity" for the team, given the upcoming road game at Cal, which will require the Tigers to travel across three time zones. The ACC submitted a group waiver request on behalf of Clemson and other ACC schools with West Coast road games, but that was also denied by the NCAA.

  • Clemson's request for a Week 0 waiver was denied in December 2025.
  • Clemson's 2026 season opener against LSU is scheduled for Week 1.

The players

Dabo Swinney

Clemson's head football coach.

Graham Neff

Clemson's athletic director.

Kyle Young

Clemson's executive senior associate athletic director and football team's schedule coordinator.

Lane Kiffin

LSU's new head football coach.

Christopher Vizzina

Clemson's likely new starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Clemson will likely incur additional expenses if granted a waiver to move a contest to Week 0, but we believe the additional expense is warranted if it positively impacts student-athlete welfare.”

— Graham Neff, Clemson Athletic Director

“I wouldn't change it. I mean, we could go play a team and win 42-6 and everybody feels good. ... But there were some things that got exposed tonight that'll make us better.”

— Dabo Swinney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.