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Clemson Football Ranked No. 23 in Preseason Poll
5 Aug
Summary
- Clemson ranked 23rd in the 2026 preseason coaches poll.
- This is the lowest preseason ranking for Clemson since 2011.
- Team seeks to overcome low expectations after a 7-6 record.
Clemson Football begins its fall camp facing a new reality, entering the 2026 season ranked No. 23 in the USA Today Preseason AFCA Coaches Poll. This marks the program's lowest preseason ranking since 2011, reflecting a shift in perception following a challenging 2025 season.
The Tigers concluded the 2025 campaign with a 7-6 overall record after a disappointing loss in the Pinstripe Bowl. This past season saw the team start with a 1-3 record before a late-season rally.
Significant roster turnover, including over 10 transfers and new key players stepping into larger roles, contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the team. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, a projected Heisman contender, leads the offense.
Clemson is one of three ACC teams in the poll, with SMU at No. 20 and Miami at No. 7. The team's recent trajectory has been heavily influenced by preseason expectations, which have soared and plummeted in past years.
