As college football rapidly transforms under the twin pressures of Name, Image and Likeness reform and the expanded College Football Playoff format, the definition of a “top job” is no longer what it once was.
Amid this reshuffling, Clemson has emerged as a program well-positioned for long-term success – even if it’s not without questions.
In a new ranking by On3’s Andy Staples evaluating the Top 10 College Football Jobs in the NIL Era, Clemson landed at No. 9, joining perennial juggernauts like Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas.
The list highlights programs that combine recruiting prowess, financial support, playoff access, and institutional alignment – criteria where the Tigers remain formidable.
“Given Clemson’s superior recruiting to most of the league, that’s a fairly light lift,” Staples wrote.
In other words, the path to the postseason may be more navigable for Clemson than for programs in more competitive conferences like the SEC or Big Ten.
Finishing top-two in the ACC – something Dabo Swinney’s program has done repeatedly – could be enough to lock in a Playoff berth.
Staples also noted that Clemson’s current position could improve even further should it change conference affiliations down the line, especially as questions swirl around the long-term viability of the ACC’s media rights deal.
A move to a wealthier conference could boost Clemson’s financial war chest, improving its position in the NIL marketplace.
Though Clemson has taken a more conservative approach to NIL under Swinney, the Tigers have still retained elite talent and stayed competitive in both high school recruiting and the transfer portal.
Clemson’s recent resume is hard to ignore: eight ACC titles in the past 10 seasons, seven College Football Playoff appearances, and two national championships.
Despite recent offensive struggles, the foundation of success remains. Also, this year’s Tigers look to be Dabo’s best team since the Trevor Lawrence days.
Interestingly, not everyone agrees on Clemson’s standing in the new era.
Fellow On3 analyst Ari Wasserman did not include the Tigers in his version of the Top 10, instead slotting in Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
Wasserman’s rankings emphasized NIL aggressiveness and institutional investment – areas where he sees other programs having higher ceilings.
“He’s leaning toward donor power and conference muscle,” Staples said of Wasserman’s list.
Still, Clemson’s presence in Staples’ top 10 underlines that despite the uncertainty surrounding the ACC and Swinney’s cautious NIL philosophy, the Tigers are far from being left behind.
Their infrastructure, culture, and consistent performance on the national stage make them one of the most enviable jobs in college football today.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 College Football Jobs in the NIL Era according to Staples and Wasserman…
Staples
#1. Georgia
#2. Ohio State
#3. Texas
#4. Oregon
#5. LSU
#6. Notre Dame
#7. Alabama
#8. Michigan
#9. Clemson
#10. Penn State
Wasserman
#1. Texas
#2. Georgia
#3. Ohio State
#4. Oregon
#5. Texas A&M
#6. LSU
#7. Alabama
#8. Michigan
#9. Notre Dame
#10. Oklahoma
What are your thoughts on the rankings? … What would YOUR Top 10 be???
