Predicting Clemson Tigers 2026 Football Schedule

After making the College Football Playoff in 2024, the Clemson Tigers took a big step backward in 2025.

Clemson finished the year with a record of 7-6, struggling to find any form of consistency on the field. But the team has some hype around it entering 2026, with head coach Dabo Swinney looking to build his group into potential contenders.

Here is a prediction for each game on the Tigers schedule this season:

Week 1: at LSU, Loss

There is a lot of hype coming into this game, on both sides. A win for Clemson could set them up well for the rest of the season.

But in the end, Tiger Stadium will be too much for this team as Clemson drops the opening game.

Week 2: vs Georgia Southern, Win

Coming off the tough loss to LSU, Clemson is able to handle Georgia Southern. The energy is high at home in this game, helping the Tigers earn their first win of the season.

Week 3: vs North Carolina, Win

The Tar Heels may be better than they were a year ago, but that doesn't mean they are as good as the Tigers. Clemson handles North Carolina in this game, sending them to a second straight win.

Week 4: at California, Win

On a short week, playing at Cal can be tricky. But Swinney should have his guys prepared for this, helping to ease any concerns.

I like the Tigers to earn a gritty road win.

Week 5: vs Miami, Loss

Clemson gets a chance to knock off the Hurricanes here, a team made it to the title game a year ago. Miami is expected to be good again this season, and with it being a home game, Clemson could make a statement.

However, this will be too much for this group. Give me the Hurricanes to handle Clemson it's second loss of the season.

Week 6: Bye Week

Week 7: vs Charleston Southern, Win

Coming off the bye week, Clemson shouldn't have any issue here. I like the Tigers to pick up the second half with a win.

Week 8: vs Virginia Tech, Win

Clemson gets its first look at James Franklin with Virginia Tech, adding more eyes to the game. The Hokies will be getting a lot of attention this season, but in this game, I like Clemson to come away with the win.

Week 9: at Florida State, Win

This is the toughest game on the Tigers schedule in the second half of the year. If they can grab a win, a playoff berth could potentially be in sight.

Give me Clemson to sneak out of Tallahassee with a massive win.

Week 10: at Syracuse, Win

Coming off the big win, playing at Syracuse could be a trap for the Tigers. But Swinney's leadership helps them fend off the Orange, taking the game late in the fourth quarter.

Week 11: vs Georgia Tech, Win

This one has the feeling of a grind-it-out matchup for Clemson. Georgia Tech has been a formidable opponent of late, but the Tigers want to make another statement in the ACC.

I like Clemson here, by a walk-off field goal to win the game.

Week 12: at Duke, Win

Duke has done well in recent years, even winning the ACC a year ago. But Clemson keeps its bid for a playoff berth alive here, grabbing the road win.

Week 13: vs South Carolina, Loss

With Clemson having an outside chance at the playoff, this game will determine everything. But they meet LaNorris Sellers and the Gamecocks, who want to spoil their season.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, that is exactly what happens.

Final record prediction: 9-3, outside chance at the CFP