Earlier this week, ON3 analyst J.D. Pickell listed his top 10 coaches in college football in 2026.
On his list were familiar manes such as Marcus Freeman and Kirby Smart. There were also fresh names getting some recognition like Mike Elko. At the top of his list was the 2025-26 national champion Curt Cignetti. For the full list, watch the video here:
One name missing from that list was Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.
The criteria for the list focuses more on recent success, rather than overall career accomplishments. So, it’s not surprising Swinney did not make the top 10.
However, it does show how much the perception of Swinney and his program has changed through the decade. The 2025 season was supposed to be the year the Tigers climbed back to national relevancy. Instead, it was the worst season the program has had since 2010.
It’s added fuel to the fire that Swinney’s traditional way of roster building is hurting the program. Clemson hit the portal harder this offseason following the 7-6 finish, but still didn’t make many splashy moves.
The Tigers are ranked 31st in ON3’s transfer portal rankings. That is much higher than the last few years, but still behind five teams Clemson plays in 2026. That includes its week one opponent, LSU, who has the fourth ranked transfer class.
We’ll see if Swinney and his Tigers can find more success this year with the changes that have been made this offseason. If he can turn things around, it will be one of the best coaching achievements of his highly successful career. It would also likely put his name back in the top 10.