Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, QB Vizzina out to turn things around after disappointing season

Clemson's head coach Dabo Swinney and quarterback Vizzina aim to improve after a disappointing 2025 season. The Tigers entered the year with an experienced roster and high expectations, but finished 7-6 and failed to reach the ACC championship game for the third time in 11 years. Quarterback Cade Klubnik fell to the fourth round of the NFL draft, and Clemson started the season unranked in the AP Top 25 preseason poll for the first time since 2011.

Swinney remains confident in his team's ability to bounce back, emphasizing that football is hard and they should not be taken for granted. He pointed out that Clemson has had 15 consecutive winning seasons, a feat only shared by 4 other FBS teams.

Despite losing star quarterback Klubnik and two starters at linebacker to the NFL draft and transfer portal, Swinney believes his offense will be well-equipped with senior backup Christopher Vizzina now at the helm. Vizzina completed 63.4% of his passes in 2025, throwing for 406 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. The Tigers still have a potent receiving corps, with wide receivers T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco Jr., and Tyler Brown leading the way.

Clemson's defense struggled in the run game, allowing 105.5 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Swinney is concerned about the team's depth at linebacker and the loss of two starting safeties. However, he remains optimistic about the 2026 season and looks forward to facing Miami and South Carolina in the coming weeks.