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Clemson begins season unranked for first time since 2011

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 11:13 PM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Clemson begins season unranked for first time since 2011

Summary

Clemson's football team, under head coach Dabo Swinney, will start the 2026 season outside the Associated Press' Preseason Top 25. This marks the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have begun a season unranked, following a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025, which ended with a loss in the Pinstripe Bowl. Despite a historically successful 18-year tenure, Swinney faces increasing pressure to regain the program's elite status after a season with the fewest wins since 2010. Swinney's coaching record includes six College Football Playoff appearances and two national championships. His focus will be on reversing Clemson's recent decline as the season progresses.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Clemson finished 7-6 last season, their worst record since 2010.
•The Tigers lost to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl to close out 2025.
•Dabo Swinney has led Clemson to six College Football Playoff appearances.
•This is the first time Clemson has started a season unranked since 2011.
•Swinney's coaching record stands at 187-53 over 18 seasons.

Latest Updates

11:13 PMYahoo Sports — Clemson Failing to Make AP Preseason Top 25 Marks Historic Fall for Dabo Swinney

What they're saying

"
On the heels of a year with his fewest wins since 2010, Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers will open a season outside of the Associated Press’ Preseason Top 25. Clemson being left out is also historic, as it’s the first time since 2011 the Tigers will kickoff a season unranked. Ranked or not, Swinney is facing […] The post Clemson Failing to Make AP Preseason Top 25 Marks Historic Fall for Dabo Swinney appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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