College football analyst Josh Pate has adjusted his postseason projections ahead of Week 1, picking Clemson to reach the ACC Championship Game against the Miami Hurricanes.
Speaking on Josh Pate’s College Football Show, Pate explained that public sentiment on head coach Dabo Swinney’s program has overcorrected following last season’s struggles. While he previously projected SMU to meet Miami in the conference title game, Pate now expects Clemson to navigate its conference slate to secure a championship berth.
“I have either willingly or through force, been talked into Clemson being a little bit better/a lot better than what most of America expects from them,” Pate said. “I really like the dynamic at Clemson right now… I think Miami and Clemson are going to play twice this year. Once in the regular season, once in the ACC title game.”
Week 1 Matchup and Program Mentality
Clemson opens its 2026 schedule on Sept. 5 at Tiger Stadium against LSU, where the home team enters as a 10.5-point favorite. Pate noted that even if Clemson stumbles in Baton Rouge, the outcome could fuel Swinney’s preferred underdog narrative.
“I don’t even care if they go and lose to LSU in Week 1,” Pate said. “In fact, them losing in Week 1 may make this even better. Because then Dabo really gets to play the ‘Us against the World/everyone’s forgot us’ mentality.”
However, Pate warned that an upset victory over LSU would instantly transform Clemson’s Oct. 3 home game against Miami into a prime national spotlight matchup.
Roster Strengths and Leadership Dynamic
Pate highlighted several roster elements supporting his optimism, including edge rusher Will Heldt, cornerback Ashton Hampton, an upgraded secondary through portal additions, and offensive line development under assistant coach Matt Luke.
At quarterback, Pate pointed to intangible team support surrounding redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina as a critical factor, even amidst an ongoing camp competition.
“The one thing that I’d be excited about from an intangible standpoint is, I can say that team will fight for Chris Vizzina,” Pate said. “I don’t know that I would have said that about the quarterback position at Clemson last year. And that matters.”
Pate ultimately picked Miami to defeat Clemson in the ACC Championship Game and advance to win the national title over Oregon.
