Eric Boggs 
Clemson just isn't what it used to be.
Once a perennial powerhouse, Clemson football has taken a major step backward in recent seasons, highlighted by a series of disappointing losses and a visible decline in offensive development. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s unwavering optimism, while admirable, is increasingly being questioned as the Tigers struggle to maintain their place among college football’s elite.
After a 34-3 drubbing at the hands of Georgia, Swinney remained confident, emphasizing that Clemson matched Georgia physically but lost due to a few unforced errors and missed opportunities. Swinney’s belief that his team still has the talent to succeed is a familiar refrain, harking back to similar comments after past losses. But this optimism may now be masking deeper issues within the program.
Clemson has lost seven of its last 15 games against Power 4 competition, a stark contrast to the team’s dominance during the Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson eras. While Swinney insists the program is still on solid ground, the evidence suggests otherwise. His reluctance to fully embrace the transfer portal—a crucial tool for top programs—has left the Tigers at a competitive disadvantage. Clemson is one of just four teams that hasn’t taken a single transfer in recent years, and the lack of external reinforcements has become more glaring as other top programs leverage the portal for quick upgrades.
Swinney’s resistance to the portal isn’t entirely a matter of philosophy. The coach has pursued transfer players, particularly on the offensive line, but has failed to land any key contributors. Swinney has been vocal about preferring to develop his recruits, believing in their potential and insisting that Clemson’s approach works. However, with each passing season, it’s becoming clearer that this strategy isn’t paying off on the field.
Offensive development has been particularly concerning. Despite boasting one of the nation’s most talented rosters—ranked fifth in 247Sports’ Team Talent Composite—Clemson’s offense has been stagnant. The Tigers’ once-explosive attack has disappeared, replaced by low-scoring, grind-it-out games. In the loss to Georgia, Clemson managed just one play of more than 20 yards, echoing their struggles from last season when they ranked 12th in the ACC in explosive plays.
Quarterback play is a glaring issue. Since Lawrence’s departure, neither DJ Uiagalelei nor Cade Klubnik has lived up to expectations. But the problem extends beyond the quarterbacks. Over the past five recruiting cycles, Clemson has brought in nearly 30 blue-chip offensive recruits, yet only one—running back Will Shipley—has made it to the NFL. The offensive staff simply hasn’t been able to get the most out of the talent on the roster.
Take offensive tackle Tristan Leigh, for example. A former five-star recruit, Leigh has struggled mightily, grading out as Clemson’s worst starting lineman in the loss to Georgia after a similarly poor performance in last year’s bowl game. Wide receiver Adam Randall, another highly-touted player, has yet to score a touchdown in 26 career games and has been plagued by mistakes, including two pre-snap penalties against Georgia.
While the defense remains a strong point, with players like linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle Peter Woods showing promise, Clemson’s offensive struggles are becoming a consistent theme. The Tigers’ lack of player development, particularly on offense, is now as much of a problem as Swinney’s refusal to embrace the transfer portal.
Clemson’s season is far from over, and with a talented roster, the Tigers could still make a run in the ACC. But the program’s inability to get the most out of its top recruits, combined with Swinney’s stubbornness in adapting to new realities, raises serious questions about Clemson’s future. Without significant changes, Clemson risks falling further behind the nation’s elite.
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