2 Clemson Games Ranked Among Top 10 ACC Matchups in 2026

Tigers' home game against Miami and road trip to Florida State highlighted as must-see ACC contests.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Atlantic Coast Conference has announced its 2026 football schedule, and Pro Football & Sports Network has ranked the top 10 games to watch, with two Clemson matchups making the list. Clemson's home game against Miami on October 3 is ranked 6th, while the Tigers' trip to Florida State on October 31 is ranked as one of the top ACC games of the year.

Why it matters

Clemson has been a dominant force in the ACC for the past decade, winning the conference title seven times and making the College Football Playoff twice. However, the Tigers are facing some key personnel losses on defense, which could open the door for other contenders like Miami to challenge for ACC supremacy. These two highly anticipated matchups will likely play a major role in determining the 2026 ACC champion.

The details

The Clemson-Miami game on October 3 at Memorial Stadium is a clash between two of the ACC's top programs. Clemson, a seven-time CFP participant and two-time champion, will host the Hurricanes, who were the CFP national championship runner-up last season. The all-time series between the two schools is tied at 7-7, but Clemson has a 6-3 advantage since Miami joined the ACC in 2004. Meanwhile, Clemson's trip to Tallahassee on October 31 to face Florida State is another key ACC matchup. The Tigers have won 9 of their last 10 games against the Seminoles, including 4 straight road wins at Doak Campbell Stadium. However, Clemson is facing the loss of several key defensive players to the NFL Draft, which could open the door for Florida State to pull off the upset.

  • Clemson vs. Miami - October 3, 2026
  • Clemson at Florida State - October 31, 2026

The players

Dabo Swinney

The head coach of the Clemson Tigers, who has led the program to seven ACC championships and two College Football Playoff titles over the past decade.

Peter Woods

A defensive lineman for Clemson who is entering the NFL Draft after this season.

TJ Parker

Another defensive lineman for Clemson who is leaving for the NFL Draft.

Avieon Terrell

Clemson's starting cornerback who is also entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ashton Daniels

The new starting quarterback for Clemson, a transfer from Auburn who brings a different dynamic to the Tigers' offense.

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What’s next

The results of these two key ACC matchups between Clemson and Miami, as well as Clemson and Florida State, will likely have a major impact on the 2026 conference title race.

The takeaway

With Clemson facing significant personnel losses on the defensive side of the ball, the 2026 ACC football season could see a shift in the balance of power, as programs like Miami look to challenge the Tigers' long-standing dominance in the conference.