Clemson Faces Tough ACC Competition Next Season

Tigers look to reclaim conference throne after worst season in 17 years

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a disappointing 2025 season, Clemson enters 2026 trying to regain its place among college football's elite. The Tigers will face stiff competition in the ACC from several teams, including the Miami Hurricanes, SMU Mustangs, and Louisville Cardinals.

Why it matters

Clemson has dominated the ACC in recent years, winning the conference title six times since 2015. However, the Tigers are coming off their worst season in 17 years and will need to navigate a challenging conference landscape to return to the top.

The details

Miami has positioned itself as the ACC's top team over the past two seasons, making a run to the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2025. The Hurricanes have reloaded through the transfer portal, adding key players like All-SEC Missouri edge rusher Damon Wilson II and All-ACC Boston College safety Omar Thornton. SMU, which joined the ACC in 2024, has compiled a 14-2 conference record and returns All-ACC quarterback Kevin Jennings to lead its high-powered offense. Louisville, which beat Miami last season, also brings back standout running back Isaac Brown and edge rusher Clev Lubin.

  • Clemson enters the 2026 season trying to reclaim their place among college football's heavyweights.
  • Miami made a run to the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2025.
  • SMU joined the ACC in 2024 and has compiled a 14-2 conference record since then.

The players

Dabo Swinney

Head coach of the Clemson Tigers.

Cam Ward

Quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes in 2024.

Darian Mensah

Quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes, a transfer from Duke.

Kevin Jennings

Quarterback for the SMU Mustangs, who has thrown for 7,709 yards and 55 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Isaac Brown

Running back for the Louisville Cardinals, a two-time All-ACC honoree.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Clemson's path back to the top of the ACC will not be easy, as they face stiff competition from several teams that have emerged as contenders in the conference. The Tigers will need to navigate a challenging schedule and utilize their transfer portal additions to reclaim their spot among college football's elite.