League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Paul Finebaum criticizes Clemson fans and Dabo Swinney ahead of 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 4:09 PM

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

Paul Finebaum criticizes Clemson fans and Dabo Swinney ahead of 2026 season

Summary

Paul Finebaum criticized Clemson fans for believing their team remains relevant in college football amidst a decline. The Tigers have not reached a national championship game in nearly seven seasons and last made the College Football Playoff in 2024. Head coach Dabo Swinney faces scrutiny over his recruiting strategies as the team enters a pivotal 2026 season. Clemson's recent performance has been disappointing, including a subpar 2025 season where the team struggled defensively and dealt with a season-ending injury to its star quarterback. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for the Tigers to reclaim their status in the ACC and seek a return to the playoffs.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Clemson hasn't been to a national championship game in nearly seven seasons.
•The Tigers last appeared in the College Football Playoff in 2024.
•Dabo Swinney faces mounting criticism regarding his recruiting approach.
•Clemson finished the 2025 season with a record of 47-20 since NIL began.
•The 2026 season is critical for Clemson's aspirations in the ACC and playoffs.

Latest Updates

4:09 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Finebaum blasts Clemson fans as Dabo Swinney enters pivotal 2026 season

What they're saying

"
The Clemson Tigers remain one of college football‘s most polarizing programs. Once one of the sport’s premier powers, Clemson hasn’t appeared in a national championship game in nearly seven seasons. The Tigers last reached the College Football Playoff in 2024,…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAF College Sports