It is all about turning the page at Clemson. No doubt about it, last year was a massive disappointment for everyone. Failing miserably to live up to lofty expectations might have played a part in the Tigers not being ranked to start this season. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Dabo Swinney's team will bounce back in a big way. The pathway back to Charlotte is right in front of them.
While it has been easy for many members of the national media to pile on an unranked Clemson this offseason, ESPN's Heather Dinich is not one of them. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, she revealed a stunning prediction (to some) for what little ole Clemson could do this season.
"I will be shocked, absolutely shocked, if Clemson is not better this year," Dinich said. "I’m gonna go on a limb here, [they will be] playing Miami in the ACC Championship."
While she did not go as far as to say Clemson will beat Miami in Death Valley this year, she did not rule it out either. Dinich mentioned the quarterback concerns, but those are not unique to Clemson. She is a huge fan of the Chad Morris hire, and believes Tom Allen, in year two coordinating this defense, will be huge. She clearly has Clemson "on an upward trajectory", one that has them in playoff contention.
ESPN's Heather Dinich, on the @PatMcAfeeShow, says she will be shocked if Clemson isn't better this year.
— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) August 17, 2026
She also adds a dance with Miami in the ACC Championship is on the table:
"I think they're on the upwards trajectory." pic.twitter.com/gdQMUEVoxI
Clemson is hungry to put last year's failures behind it
We are looking at a Clemson program coming off its worst season in well over a decade. Everyone involved is so incredibly motivated to turn it around. Swinney betting on Morris to become Clemson's rockstar offensive coordinator seems well-calculated. Along with Allen and offensive line coach Matt Luke, he is overqualified for the role he is being asked to do as a part of this ACC football program.
While Dinich had no issues relaying Swinney's thoughts on how bad last season's secondary was, this will be year two for Allen running the Clemson defense. He was a savvy defensive mind while leading Indiana. Allen played a huge part in Penn State getting to the national semifinals two years ago during his lone season in Happy Valley. With Sammy Brown taking charge, this defense should be way better.
Even though many national media members want Clemson to take a backseat to Louisville and SMU, Dinich is wisely not one of them. Between Clemson, Louisville, Miami, and SMU, only one of them has won the ACC before. That might matter more than the casual football fan may want to believe. Being accustomed to performing on a championship stage can help separate the haves from the have nots.
Right now, the ACC effectively has one playoff lock, and three serious contenders for it. It might be shocking for Miami to miss out on the playoffs after last year's national title run, but Mario Cristobal has a knack for losing games he shouldn't. As for Clemson, Louisville, and SMU, odds are that one of them will be playing the Canes in Charlotte. Clemson does not face either Louisville or SMU this year.
Assuming Clemson wins its seven other ACC games outside of the Miami date, a rematch with the Canes in the Queen City could be in order. If the Tigers can split their two biggest non-conference games with LSU and South Carolina, they might be a lock for the playoffs, simply by punching their ticket into Charlotte. A win there will guarantee it, but a loss may not be the end of the world for them.
Last year was last year, but no program is hungrier to win the ACC outright this season than Clemson.
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