Dabo Swinney has a new problem in his 2025 fall camp, but it's one every coach in America dreams of: his team is playing with so much intensity, he's having to be the one to pump the brakes.
In a stark contrast to seasons past where the head coach felt he needed to manufacture energy, this year's veteran-laden squad is policing itself with a ferocity that has practices boiling over.
"He’s kind of had to rein guys back a little bit," senior offensive lineman Blake Miller said after Monday's practice. "Guys are really flying around out there. It is an amazing problem to have."
That intensity is creating a competitive inferno on the practice fields. The days of one side of the ball having an off day appear to be over.
"Having guys on the defensive side of the ball pushing really hard makes the offense go harder," Miller said. "If the offense is dragging, vice versa. I think the dynamic we have going on right now is phenomenal."
New Standard in the Trenches
This new, player-led standard is especially evident along the offensive line. Now in their second year under renowned coach Matt Luke, the unit is no longer just learning a system; they're mastering it. According to Miller, the group's experience has them well ahead of schedule.
"We have a lot of experience in a lot of areas," Miller said. "I think we are in a better spot than we were last year, and the things that we are cleaning up are minor, schematic wise because there is all that experience at different positions."
For a team returning a wealth of production and holding national championship aspirations, this hyper-competitive environment isn't just a good sign—it's essential. The fire that Dabo Swinney is now trying to contain could be the very thing that forges a championship contender this fall.