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CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney believes Clemson football can be the first 16-0 team in modern college football history.
“It’s a race to do it. I believe we can do it,” Swinney said Aug. 6. “I don’t know if this team will do it.”
Swinney wanted to clear up a quote that was featured in an Aug. 4 ESPN article, where he was quoted “In 2018, we were the first 15-0 team in the history of major college football − ever. And I think we’re going to be the first 16-0 team. It’s a race to do that.”
He is reluctant to heap that much praise on this year’s team despite Clemson returning more production than any other team in Division I, according to ESPN. The Tigers are No. 6 in the coaches poll and are one of five teams to earn at least one first-place vote. They also have numerous players earning preseason accolades, including quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is viewed as a Heisman contender.
Still, Swinney’s confidence stems from the Tigers in 2018 becoming the first 15-0 team since 1900 (Penn went 15-0 in 1897). That season, Clemson was No. 4 in scoring average and No. 1 in scoring defense, outscoring opponents by a 31.2-point average, to capture the program’s third national championship.
“I do believe we can be the first 16-0 team,” Swinney said. “We were the first 15-0 team, so why would I not believe that?”
For this year’s Tigers to achieve a feat last seen since Yale in 1984, they must overcome No. 9 LSU on Aug. 30 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) at Memorial Stadium. This will be Clemson’s second consecutive season opening the season against an SEC opponent; the Tigers lost 34-3 to No. 1 Georgia in 2024.
Swinney emphasized failing to do the “little things,” like committing untimely penalties that ruined momentum or pushed back drives, derailed the Tigers last season.
Clemson hasn’t not won a season-opening game since 2022. The Tigers lost their last three games against SEC opponents, too. Their last regular-season SEC win was against South Carolina in 2023 in their annual rivalry game; their last regular-season non-South Carolina SEC win came in 2019 against Texas A&M.
Dabo Swinney on Peter Woods’ absence, Jeadyn Lukus, Khalil Barnes injuries
Clemson entered preseason practice in a “good spot,” per Swinney, but the wear and tear is taking a toll on the Tigers. One concern was defensive tackle Peter Woods, who was not present for Clemson’s practice, but Swinney said he was out because he was sick.
However, Swinney announced running back Jarvis Green likely will miss the 2025 season after suffering a foot injury that will require surgery. Now, Clemson’s running-back room features projected starter Adam Randall, Keith Adams, David Eziomume and freshman Gideon Davidson. Jay Haynes is still wearing a green jersey (limited participation) as he recovers from a torn ACL.
Other key players who were out were cornerback Jeadyn Lukus and safety Khalil Barnes. Lukus was in a yellow non-contact jersey after he wore one Aug. 1. Barnes wore one, too, after being healthy for Clemson’s first two practices.
Offensive lineman Collin Sadler was in green, allowing Harris Sewell to work with the first-team unit. The good news was tight end Olsen Patt-Henry was full go after being in yellow to start preseason practice as he recovered from getting his tonsils removed.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
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