Clemson Looks to Rebound in Spring Practice After Disappointing Season

ESPN's Greg McElroy breaks down what to expect from the Tigers as they embrace the transfer portal and hire a new offensive coordinator.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Clemson, once a college football powerhouse, is undergoing a 'midlife crisis' after a disappointing 2025 season. Head coach Dabo Swinney is making major changes this offseason, including embracing the transfer portal and hiring a new offensive coordinator in Chad Morris. ESPN's Greg McElroy discusses how Clemson's ability to adapt to the modern era of college football will define their 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Clemson has been one of the most dominant programs in college football over the past decade, but their refusal to adapt to changes like the transfer portal has led to a decline in recent years. This offseason represents a pivotal moment for Swinney and the Tigers as they look to regain their spot among the nation's elite teams.

The details

Clemson has brought in nine players from the transfer portal this offseason, a significant increase from the four total transfers they added in the previous three years combined. This includes EDGE London Merritt from Colorado and cornerback Donovan Starr from Auburn. The Tigers also hired former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who held the same role at Clemson from 2011-14, to try and revive their struggling offense after starting quarterback Cade Klubnik declared for the NFL Draft.

  • Clemson entered the 2025 season ranked No. 4 in the country.
  • Clemson has only made the College Football Playoff once since 2021, losing in the first round.

The players

Dabo Swinney

Clemson's head coach who has been reluctant to embrace changes like the transfer portal, but is now making major adjustments this offseason.

Chad Morris

Clemson's new offensive coordinator, who previously held the same role with the Tigers from 2011-14.

Cade Klubnik

Clemson's starting quarterback who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Let's talk about a program that's currently undergoing the college football equivalent of like a midlife crisis. I mean that in the most entertaining way possible, because if you look at where Dabo Swinney has been the last few years, they've kind of been trying to hold back the ocean with a broom.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst (on3.com)

“It's about Dabo Swinney proving that his culture can survive the very things that he used to despise. If Chad Morris can't get this offense to really be rolling by the end of April, then that defense has got to play at a high level.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst (on3.com)

What’s next

Clemson will look to show progress in their new-look offense and defense during spring practice, as the 2026 season looms as a pivotal year for the program's future direction.

The takeaway

Clemson's unwillingness to adapt to the changing landscape of college football has caught up to them in recent years, but this offseason represents a critical juncture where Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are embracing major changes in an effort to regain their status as an elite program.