Dabo Swinney has a lot of questions that need answers.
Both for the fans, and the program itself, the 2026 season feels like the ultimate crossroads for the once powerhouse program that Swinney built at Clemson.
Now, it seems the sand is running out of the hourglass for the Tigers, making this year a do or die campaign. The naysayers, national media pundits, and Lord knows, Paul Finebaum, have already done everything from express doubt to outright ridicule Dabo Swinney and the Clemson program. However, the embattled Tigers head coach has earned every right to prove what he has said is true.
Here are some of the biggest questions that need answers as Clemson football gets set for the season which is slated to begin in less than six weeks.
Can Christopher Vizzina lead the offense?
Christopher Vizzina is set to take the reins at quarterback after being the understudy to Cade Klubnik the past two seasons. Much has been pontificated about Vizzina and his ability to lead the offense, and probably for good reason. Offensive coordinator Chad Morris has always preferred mobile, dual-threat signal callers, of which Vizzina is not. He is a pocket passer with a good arm but remains largely untested save for starting a couple of games in 2025, with mixed results, while Klubnik was sidelined. Is Vizzina ready to take center stage? To say he has a lot to prove is an understatement, though he does have Swinney’s confidence behind him.
How good will the defensive line be?
Coach Swinney has talked at length during the offseason about the defensive line needing to prove itself. It is an inexperienced unit, rife with turnover from graduation and early departures, but the talent is there. Amare Adams, an in-state blue chip recruit, should finally get his chance to make a more meaningful impact. Vic Burley, too. There is also young talent up front, but again, until results are seen on the field fans will have reason to be skeptical. Second year defensive coordinator Tom Allen will have his work cut out for him, but if the defensive line plays well, it could lead an overall improvment from the Tigers’ porous 2025 unit.
Can the skill positions live up to the hype?
One area where Clemson football does look loaded is the skill positions. The Tigers are loaded at both wide receiver and running back, and Dabo Swinney has many great options to choose from when the Tigers have the ball. T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco, and Tyler Brown spearhead the receiver’s room, along with the returning Trist Smith and freshmen Gordon Sellars III, Naeem Burroughs, and Connor Salmin. At running back, sophomore Gideon Davidson looks to break out, along with SMU transfer speedster Chris Johnson Jr. and Jay Haynes provide a potent backfield trio. Can the offense flourish between Vizzina and his talented cast? It has to.
How much improved will the secondary be?
Frankly, the 2025 season was a disaster for the Clemson secondary. It was arguably the worst unit, statistically speaking, of the Dabo Swinney era. Whether or not that unit has significantly improved is maybe the biggest burning question Swinney must answer entering the season. Again, the talent is there. Ashton Hampton is really good, but the unit was greatly supplemented with additions from the transfer portal.
Defensive backs Elliot Washington (Penn State) and Donovan Starr (Auburn) were brought in via the portal, along with safeties Jerome Carter III (Old Dominion) and Corey Myrick (Southern Mississippi). The unit looks good on paper, but can they perform when the rubber meets the road? If yes, then Clemson football has the chance for a good season. If not, then fans should prepare for more disappointment.
Is Dabo Swinney right?
One thing nobody can accuse Coach Swinney of is not being confident in his players. Dabo has preached all offseason that last year’s 7-6 record was unacceptable and the Tigers would be back. That is all well and good, but the reality is, people live under the mantra of what have you done for me lately? It has been quite some time since Clemson was a national championship contender, and following titles in 2016 and 2018, that has not sat well with the fan base. Swinney truly believes this team can rebound and make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Dabo Swinney on ACC Huddle, 07/16/26
Whether or not that happens is the biggest question of all.
