The Clemson Tigers have struggled for the second straight season, as their outside chance of making the College Football Playoff ended with a loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Clemson held a 16-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but allowed 10 unanswered points. 

Quarterback Tait Reynolds was efficient, completing 20 of 26 passes for 153 yards while rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. The run game was also solid for the Tigers, as running back Gideon Davidson rushed for 62 yards on 14 carries. 

However, it didn't result in many points, which led to Clemson's third loss of the season. There are some positives to take away on defense, as the Tigers got pressure on the quarterback with six sacks. Will Heldt led the way with two sacks, adding to his draft stock.

Their run defense was elite, as they held Virginia Tech to 70 yards on 37 carries. In the passing game, Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 20 of 32 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

Grunkemeyer led an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter and found Reynolds for a five-yard score on 4th-and-1 to take the 20-16 lead.

Head coach Dabo Swinney has built the Tigers into a strong program over the years, but they have struggled in the last two seasons. Swinney and Clemson will need to turn it around soon.

The first few weeks of the 2026 season saw a question mark at the quarterback position between Christopher Vizzina and Reynolds. However, Reynolds has taken firm control of the position and should only improve heading into next season.

Through seven games, Reynolds has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 1,096 yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown.

The Tigers may not have a shot at making it into the College Football Playoff this season, but prioritizing Reynolds development in the final stretch of the season is pivotal.

Heldt is proving that he should be an early selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, as he has 22 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks this season. 

He has been one of the few consistent players for the Tigers this season and will look to continue bolstering his draft stock.

Swinney has had an incredible run during his time with the Tigers, but back-to-back disappointing seasons will raise question marks. Clemson will need to have a strong end to the season to silence any talk of Swinney being fired.