After a few turbulent seasons (for their standard), Clemson is back among the top national championship contenders.
Things are looking so bright for Dabo Swinney’s Tigers that even one of the program’s most vocal critics is beginning to change his stance.
For the first time since 2020, Clemson returned to the postseason’s biggest stage, clinching a playoff berth by winning the ACC Championship under the expanded CFP format.
It marked a notable turnaround for a program that had seen a steady decline, posting three or more losses each of the past three seasons, including back-to-back four-loss years.
However, what’s old is new again – and among those taking notice of Clemson’s rebound is ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, a longtime skeptic – and sometimes antagonist – of head coach Dabo Swinney.
“I think what Dabo Swinney has done in the last two years is remarkable,” Finebaum said. “I thought there was a moment in time where it looked like it had slipped away from him, but I think going out he ratched up his staff, I think he was too loyal to a few people, I think getting (Cade) Klubnik in there was a huge move and I think he finally opened up on his own stubbornness.”
Finebaum has spent years questioning Swinney’s approach, especially his reluctance to embrace the transfer portal and evolving trends in modern college football.
As recently as last season, Finebaum remarked that it felt like “the game had passed Swinney by.”
While acknowledging Swinney’s past success – including two national titles – Finebaum has focused more on recent missteps.
But after Clemson’s resurgent 2024 season and a return to form, Finebaum appears to be softening his stance – even if he insists that much of his criticism has been “mostly tongue in cheek.”
Now, with momentum at their back, the Tigers look primed to reenter the national title conversation.
They return more production than any team in the country – over 80% – and are ranked No. 1 in returning experience for the 2025 season, according to ESPN.
Leading that returning core is quarterback Cade Klubnik, who emerged as one of the country’s top signal callers last season.
In his second year as the starter, Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, helping power the Tigers to an ACC title and back into playoff relevance.
Heading into the new season, Klubnik is viewed as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate as well as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick in 2026.
Clemson’s road back to the top begins with a marquee matchup against LSU on August 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET in (the real) Death Valley.
Needless to say, it’s an enormous clash that could set the tone for a redemption campaign.
With a seasoned roster, renewed national respect, and even Paul Finebaum offering cautious praise, Clemson may once again be a force the college football world can’t ignore.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s 180? … Do you think Dabo and the Tigers have what it takes to win the national title this season???
