Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney made some comments about the team that will surely have fans scratching their heads.
The Clemson Tigers were one of the most disappointing teams in college football last season, going 7-6 and losing to Penn State — perhaps the only club who underwhelmed more than Clemson in 2025 — in the Pinstripe Bowl.
To make matters worse, the Tigers have lost a plethora of star players this offseason, with many heading to the NFL Draft and others departing via the transfer portal.
Clemson's most jarring exodus came on the defensive side of the ball, where defensive tackle Peter Woods, cornerback Avieon Terrell, edge rusher T.J. Parker and linebacker Wade Woodaz all declared for the draft. The Tigers also lost both starting safeties to the portal.
While Dabo Swinney actually got busy in the transfer portal himself for a change, adding 11 players, it's hard to look at Clemson's roster and feel good about it.
However, Swinney made some rather interesting comments about the defensive side of the ball, comments that are sure to turn some heads among Tigers fans.
“We are much improved defensively, from any point in time last year,” Swinney said. “So that was really encouraging to see throughout the spring.”
Huh?
Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney. Credit: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Let me get this straight: Clemson lost three players who could ultimately be first-round picks later this month, not to mention multiple other starters, and Swinney thinks the defense is now better?
“We were able to fill some gaps that were kind of created and some unexpected. So, again, secondary wise, we are just way better,” Swinney added. “Again, length, athleticism, speed. It is a fast group. I think our backers, we are in a totally different place at linebacker than we were this time last year. Those guys have all improved. We are going to have a nice core, right there. So, I think that is a good sign."
To be fair, the Tigers do have a couple of really impressive players on defense. Linebacker Sammy Brown could become a first-round pick next spring, edge rusher Will Heldt elected to return and cornerback Ashton Hampton is a potential breakout talent.
And we also need to remember that Swinney is seeing these guys every day in practice, so he certainly knows a heck of a lot more about the unit than me or anyone else. So maybe his remarks are more jarring than incomprehensible.
But there is still no doubt that Clemson fans will be rightfully worried about both sides of the ball heading into 2026 ... especially after what we just saw in 2025.
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