Overview

• Speaking on ESPN’s College GameDay, Saban said Swinney should reassess his program to remain successful in the current landscape.
• Saban asked whether Clemson needs to change its approach to the transfer portal and to name, image and likeness, adding, “The game has changed — we need to change with it.”
• Clemson opened the season in the top five but is 1-3 after losses to LSU, Georgia Tech and a 34-21 home defeat to Syracuse.
• Swinney has resisted heavy portal use, telling ESPN in April, “We’re just sitting back and watching,” and later voicing support for more structured NIL rules with a cap.
• Outlets noted Saban’s remarks focused on adaptation and maintaining standards rather than on replacements, with some citing his own acknowledgment that NIL factored into his retirement decision.