Can Clemson bounce back after another frustrating season?

The past two seasons for Clemson have been a roller coaster of emotions. A 10-4 2024 season with an ACC title-level record but far from national championship standards and then offensive struggles continuing into 2025. 

The main issue without a doubt is the declining offense, not the defense. Can they fix that in time to get back into true playoff contention?

Clemson’s offense scored a total of 354 points (112th in FBS) and totaled 4,863 yards (about middle of the pack). There were also many three-and-outs, and the time of possession was poor, about 30:58 per game. 

Part of the problem was Cade Klubnik’s regression in 2025 after a strong 2024. Another thing is critical comments from analysts like Joel Klatt, saying that Clemson isn’t just missing one piece of their offense; their offense is just fundamentally wrong.

The 2025 class has 11 ESPN 300 players, including multiple guys from the trenches and skill players. Also, even with some portal losses, they have added multiple defensive transfers and key pieces in the 2026 portal.

The Tigers hired Garrett Riley as the offensive coordinator, who will help modernize the offense, but the hire is still under heavy criticism after continued stagnation. Dabo Swinney’s slow embrace of the portal in the past years affected Clemson very poorly. But, with how they are now using it more and more, the Tigers have a real shot at actually bouncing back.

Does Clemson bounce back in 2026?

With new portal additions on an already good defense, they should remain competitive in the ACC at least. A real “bounce back” to a national title level depends on whether Christopher Vizzina, projected QB for Clemson, who sat behind Klubnik for three seasons, can stabilize the offense, and Riley adjusts the scheme to create more explosive plays, longer drives and better red zone and short yardage decisions.

Clemson for sure has the talent in their hands to bounce back into the playoff conversation in 2026, but if the offense doesn’t evolve, they’ll stay outside the true contender tier.