Clemson opens season unranked for first time in 15 years
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 3:45 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Clemson enters the 2026 college football season unranked in the AP Top 25, marking the first occurrence in 15 years. The Tigers received 112 points, falling just short of the rankings, which are led by Miami at No. 7, SMU at No. 19, and Louisville at No. 24. Dabo Swinney’s team finished 7-6 last season and was picked fourth in the ACC preseason media poll. Their season opener against No. 11 LSU is scheduled for September 5 in Baton Rouge, providing an immediate opportunity to make a statement.
- •Clemson is unranked heading into the 2026 season.
- •The Tigers finished 7-6 last season.
- •Dabo Swinney has re-hired Chad Morris as offensive coordinator.
- •Clemson opens against No. 11 LSU on September 5.
- •The Tigers were picked fourth in the ACC preseason poll.
- 3:45 PMYahoo Sports — Can Dabo Swinney’s first unranked Clemson team in 15 years shock everyone?
"Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are unranked heading into Week 1 against LSU, giving them a perfect opportunity to shock the college football world.
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