TMZ Sports has learned the "Best Ever" line inscribed into the side of the Tigers' national title rings -- which the team received at a ceremony Wednesday -- is a subtle shot at the Tide.
We're told Clemson heard the constant media talk about Bama being the greatest college football team ever ... and had to hear it for months while they quietly ran through their season, undefeated.
So, after they beat Nick Saban 's guys 44-16 in January's National Championship game, designers made sure to include the words "Best Ever" on the rings to rub it in.