Cam Newton shared blunt opinions about Dabo Swinney and Clemson’s current struggles during a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take. The Tigers, now 3–4 overall and 2–3 in the ACC, have fallen far from their preseason No. 4 ranking, and Newton believes the program’s decline traces back to Swinney’s unwillingness to adapt to modern college football.

Clemson is down to four defensive backs in 2026: safeties Kentavion Anderson and Kaden Gebhardt and cornerbacks Marcell Gipson and Shavar Young Jr. The Tigers (3-4, 2-3 ACC) will try to maintain the rest of their class after having seven decommitments in last year's cycle.

The Clemson Tigers have reportedly decided on head coach Dabo Swinney's future amid a disappointing 3-4 start.

Clemson football's playoff chances are officially over. Here's what Dabo Swinney's team is fighting for despite having a 3-4 record.

Clemson has been the most transfer portal-averse program in the FBS outside of the service academies. Swinney did add a trio of transfers to the 2025 roster, including former Purdue defensive end Will Heldt, who currently leads the team in sacks. It’s the most Swinney has brought on in a single offseason, and a nod to an evolving philosophy.

Clemson football's miserable 2025 season continued on Saturday. The Tigers, who opened the season ranked inside the top 10 with ACC championship and College Football Playoff hopes, dropped to 3-4 on the season.

Things have continued to spiral for Clemson under head coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers lost to SMU 35-24 on Saturday, falling to 3-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC. It was a disappointing performance after Clemson had back-to-back dominant wins over Boston College and North Carolina the past two games.

Heading into the 2025 college football season, the Clemson Tigers were expected to be one of the top national championship contenders in the nation. Unfortunately for Dabo Swinney and company, the season has not progressed quite like that.

Leigh, who missed last Saturday’s game against SMU with an ankle injury, has now been sidelined for three contests this season. Swinney said the veteran lineman continues to move in the right direction. “I think Tristan is making pretty good progress,” the head coach noted.