Clemson Lands 4th in Athlon Sports' 2026 ACC Football Predictions

The Tigers are no longer seen as the ACC's automatic favorite, but still have a chance to rebound in 2026.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:31pm

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Athlon Sports released its initial predictions for the 2026 ACC football season, slotting Clemson fourth overall behind Miami, Louisville, and SMU. While the Tigers are still viewed as one of the conference's better teams, the projection suggests Clemson is no longer the automatic favorite it once was after a disappointing 7-win season in 2025.

Why it matters

Clemson's fourth-place prediction in the Athlon rankings represents a step forward from the Tigers' seventh-place finish in the ACC last season, but also highlights the program's recent struggles and the uncertainty surrounding the team heading into 2026. The projection suggests Clemson is no longer the measuring stick in the conference, raising questions about the program's ability to return to the top of the ACC.

The details

Athlon Sports cited Clemson's quarterback situation, with Christopher Vizzina slated to replace Cade Klubnik, as well as the Tigers' need to retool their defense around linebacker Sammy Brown and end Will Heldt, as reasons for the fourth-place projection. The rankings also offer context on Clemson's 2026 schedule, with Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and North Carolina all expected to be tough opponents.

  • Athlon Sports released its initial 2026 ACC football predictions on January 28, 2026.
  • Clemson finished the 2025 season tied for seventh in the ACC with a 7-win campaign, the fewest victories for the program since 2010.

The players

Dabo Swinney

Clemson's head football coach, tasked with getting the Tigers back on track after a disappointing 2025 season.

Christopher Vizzina

Clemson's projected starting quarterback in 2026, replacing Cade Klubnik.

Chad Morris

Clemson's new offensive play-caller, brought in to help revive the Tigers' offense.

Sammy Brown

Clemson linebacker expected to be a key part of the Tigers' defensive retooling in 2026.

Will Heldt

Clemson defensive end who will also be relied upon to anchor the Tigers' defense in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Clemson was one of college football's biggest disappointments in 2025. Last year's seven-win season represented the fewest victories for the program since posting six in '10. Can coach Dabo Swinney get this team back on track? The Tigers enter '26 with more question marks than in recent seasons, starting at quarterback with Christopher Vizzina slated to replace Cade Klubnik under the tutelage of new play-caller Chad Morris.”

— Steven Lassan

What’s next

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