Overview
- Dabo Swinney replaced offensive coordinator Garrett Riley with Chad Morris as part of a staff overhaul meant to reverse a 7-6 season and reset the program’s direction.
- Clemson added 11 transfer players this offseason, the most in a single year in program history, including running back Chris Johnson Jr. and defensive backs Elliot Washington II and Jerome Carter III.
- None of the transfers were a quarterback or offensive lineman, leaving the Tigers without portal reinforcements after losing starter Cade Klubnik and three starting offensive linemen.
- Quarterback uncertainty is now central: Christopher Vizzina and freshman Tait Reynolds are battling for the starting job while receiver-turned-hybrid Chris Denson will take snaps at running back and receiver in preseason work.
- Projections are cautious with outlets like Athlon forecasting a fourth-place ACC finish and a Holiday Bowl matchup, and coaches point to defensive additions and returning playmakers as the clearest path back to competitiveness.