ESPN analyst predicts Clemson will return to form and challenge Miami
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 3:01 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
ESPN analyst Heather Dinich expects Clemson to show significant improvement in the 2026 season after a disappointing 7-6 record last year. The Tigers, absent from the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2011, are predicted to contend for the ACC Championship against Miami. Key changes include the return of offensive coordinator Chad Morris and a second year under defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Clemson must first name a starting quarterback before their season opener against LSU. They will host Miami on October 3, a match that could be crucial for both teams' ACC standings.
- •Clemson had a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025.
- •They are not ranked in the preseason AP Top 25.
- •Heather Dinich predicts Clemson could compete for the ACC Championship.
- •Chad Morris returns as offensive coordinator this season.
- •Clemson hosts Miami on October 3.
- 3:01 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN analyst predicts Clemson will compete with Miami, improvement certain
"ESPN analyst Heather Dinich would be “shocked” if Clemson doesn’t improve in 2026 and expects the Tigers to compete for the ACC.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
College Sports•Aug 18, 2026, 7:28 PMHow many top-25 teams are on Penn State’s 2026 schedule?
College Sports•Aug 18, 2026, 7:25 PMFlorida reveals 2026 football uniform combination schedule
NCAAF•Aug 18, 2026, 7:22 PMWhy Alabama, Indiana and Texas Tech (yes, really) didn't make college football's top spending list
College SportsNCAAF•Aug 18, 2026, 7:21 PMMichigan players embrace a brutal schedule
NCAAF•Aug 18, 2026, 7:16 PMDante Moore leads Oregon's 2026 preseason AP All-American selections
NCAAM•Aug 18, 2026, 7:13 PMWisconsin's Braeden Carrington gets legal win in fight for fifth year