For much of the College Football Playoff era, the ACC has staked its success on conference standard-bearer Clemson. The Tigers won the league again in 2024, claiming their eighth ACC title in the last 10 years and making the CFP for the seventh time.

ESPN's Mike Greenberg and Paul Finebaum, once Dabo Swinney's loudest critics, are now stunned by the Clemson coach's "amazing loyalty" to Cade Klubnik, calling it the "fuel" for a national title run in an era of zero allegiance.

The Clemson Tigers have the highest rate of returning players in the nation, and head coach Dabo Swinney's character is a big reason why.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning isn’t afraid to learn from others — including those he once considered rivals. During Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, Lanning revealed he reached out to Clemson’s Dabo Swinney this offseason, looking for perspective as the Ducks aim to build on their fast start in the Big Ten.

Dabo Swinney has turned the Clemson Tigers into not just one of the most consistent winners, but one of the most consistent winners of all time.

Bill Belichick was nothing but complimentary Thursday of Dabo Swinney during his time at the podium for ACC Kickoff. “Yeah, we’re all learning from Dabo,” the North Carolina coach said. Belichick, the former New England Patriots coach was asked about his relationship with the Clemson head coach.

Speaking at the ACC Media Kickoff, Swinney emphasized that "experience, as they say, doesn't come at a discount." The head coach pointed directly to Clemson's industry-leading player retention as proof of his program's unique appeal.

The Clemson Tigers are a national championship contender and lead the nation in two overlooked, but important categories heading into 2025.