The doubters can keep talking, but Clemson is back in the USA TODAY post-spring Top 25 at No. 24. Sure, it’s not the top-10 spot we’ve called home for years, but there’s a buzz in Death Valley that feels just like the start of something big. Dabo Swinney has brought Chad Morris back to run the offense—the same mastermind who helped turn Clemson into a national powerhouse all those years ago.
Vizzina Takes the Reins
Cade Klubnik is gone, and Dabo didn’t go shopping in the portal for a quick fix. This is Christopher Vizzina’s team now. The sophomore has been grinding all spring, learning every inch of Morris’s up-tempo offense, and now even the national media is starting to catch on to what’s brewing in Tiger Town.
"No Cade Klubnik on campus and no quarterback from the transfer portal means this spring was all about giving time to Christopher Vizzina to get acclimated to the starting role with new offensive coordinator Chad Morris," USA TODAY noted. "The good news? Wide receivers Brian Wesco and T.J. Moore look poised to have big seasons if Vizzina can deliver the ball."
A Reloaded Defense
While the offense gets up to speed, the defense is loading up with blue-chip talent around Sammy Brown, the heart and soul of this unit. Swinney went to the portal for reinforcements, adding instant-impact guys to a defense that already plays with an edge.
“The portal brought in reinforcements for the defense – notably lineman Markus Strong (Oklahoma) and defensive back Elliot Washington II (Penn State) - to join a group led by standout linebacker Sammy Brown," USA TODAY reported. "But there’s still overall questions about this roster’s ability to push for a playoff spot."
Navigating a Loaded ACC
Getting back to Charlotte won’t be a walk in the park. Clemson’s schedule is a true gauntlet, starting with a trip to No. 17 LSU, where Lane Kiffin is stirring things up, and a huge October battle with No. 6 Miami. The Tigers will also have to take down No. 18 SMU and No. 22 Florida State along the way.
In Tallahassee, the pressure is mounting for Mike Norvell. “Seminoles coach Mike Norvell enters the 2026 campaign under significant pressure – even with his huge buyout," the report stated. "The quarterback competition in the spring was won by Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels, settling one question."
With Chad Morris dialing up the offense again and Vizzina ready to prove himself, Clemson isn’t just happy to be in the Top 25. The Tigers are coming for more—and they’re ready to remind everyone what it means to play in Death Valley.
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