Clemson aims for College Football Playoff after unranked start
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Clemson football, starting the season unranked in the AP Top 25, is viewed by analysts as a potential playoff contender. The Tigers received 112 points, leading among unranked teams, ahead of Florida's 51 points. After a disappointing 7-6 season, Clemson hopes to rebound with key players returning and a match against No. 11 LSU to open the season. The team's starting quarterback has yet to be announced, but the roster includes talented receivers and a reshaped defense from the transfer portal.
- •Clemson starts season unranked but leads in playoff contender votes.
- •The team looks to recover from a 7-6 campaign last year.
- •Clemson plays No. 11 LSU in their season opener.
- •Key players returning include T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco.
- •Dabo Swinney utilized the transfer portal to strengthen the defense.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — National analyst on Clemson making surprise run to College Football Playoff
"Nicolas Rome believes in Clemson as a team that could potentially sneak their way into the postseason.
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