Clemson is back! Why the Tigers are poised for a massive 2026 bounce back

After a disappointing7-6campaign, experts are picking Clemson as the most improved team for2026.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first Spring football practice open to media in Clemson, SC Friday, Feb 27, 2026. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe 2025 season, when you read between the lines, was a Death Valley dumpster fire. Going into the year with No. 4 aspirations and a “playoff-or-bust” requirement, the Tigers limped to a 7-6 finish — the second-worst performance in the Dabo Swinney era.

Capping it on a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Penn State seemed like a cruel punchline to a season Clemson fans in general would prefer to be written off the record…