AP Top 25 Poll

#20 Clemson Tigers

2024

Overall Record

9-4

Last Game

vs Kentucky W 38-35

Conference Record

4-4

Next Game

@Kentucky 12/29/2023

FILE -Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney runs on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Clemson has opened spring football practice Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 with Swinney eager to build on the Tigers' finish of five straight victories. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)

Clemson, Swinney hoping to build off 5-game winning streak to finish 2023

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has seen the effects of his team’s five-game winning streak to close the season pay dividends.

FILE - Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart (19) sacks Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Nov. 11, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Capehart was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on university property this month. Online records in Pickens County detail that Capehart was arrested Feb. 6. He also was charged with failure to exercise due care in a motor vehicle. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Clemson defensive tackle Capehart charged with unlawful possession of weapon

FILE - Clemson running back Will Shipley carries against Georgia Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game Nov. 11, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Shipley is giving up his college eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Shipley announced his decision on social media Wednesday nigh, Jan. 3. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Clemson tailback Will Shipley entering NFL draft

Kentucky arrives before an NCAA football game against Clemson in the Gator Bowl Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. (Corey Perrine /The Florida Times-Union via AP)

Mafah runs for 4 TDs, Clemson rallies to beat Kentucky 38-35 in a wild Gator Bowl

FILE - Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney runs onto the field before an NCAA college football game against North Carolina Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson tries to end its worst season since 2010 with a five-game winning streak when it plays Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman,File)

Clemson hopes to continue late-season turnaround against Kentucky in the Gator Bowl

More News

Clemson gives raises to seven assistant football coaches

Clemson’s board of trustees has approved raises for seven football assistant coaches. Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin received a $550,000 raise to make his annual salary $1.4 million.

Oklahoma adds Zac Alley as co-defensive coordinator, promotes Valai

Oklahoma announced Zac Alley co-defensive coordinator and promoted Jay Valai to co-defensive coordinator.

Florida State lands ex-Clemson, Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei

Former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has announced his transfer to Florida State.

Swinney: Clemson RB Shipley has no structural damage in left leg, no surgery necessary

Clemson running back Will Shipley has no structural damage in his left leg and will not require surgery after a scary injury at the Gator Bowl on Friday.

FILE - Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) plays against North Carolina during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. Clemson tries to end its worst season since 2010 with a five-game winning streak when it plays Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Clemson looking to end disappointing season on a high note against Kentucky in the Gator Bowl

Clemson tries to end its worst season since 2010 with a five-game winning streak when it plays Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.

FILE - Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba plays against Syracuse during an NCAA college football game Oct. 22, 2022, in Clemson, S.C. Former Clemson safety Mukuba has announced he is transferring to Texas, his hometown school. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Clemson S Mukuba transfers home to Texas; QB Dante Moore chooses Oregon after freshman year at UCLA

Former Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba is transferring to Texas, his hometown school and cornerback Decamerion Richardson says he is leaving Mississippi State for rival Mississippi.

FILE - This is a photo of of the Minnesota Vikings NFL football team. This image reflects the Minnesota Vikings active roster as of Friday, June 16, 2023. Ex-NFL assistant Chris Rumph was hired as Clemson's defensive ends coach and quickly started as the Tigers prepare to play Kentucky in the Gator Bowl .(AP Photo/File)

New Clemson assistants Luke and Rumph hit the ground running for bowl-bound Tigers

Matt Luke and Chris Rumph have hit the ground running since being hired as Clemson’s newest assistant coaches this month.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney celebrates a 50-yard field goal by place-kicker Jonathan Weitz during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

Clemson’s Swinney hires Luke to coach O-line and Rumph to coach defensive ends

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has hired two new assistant coaches to replace the pair he let go last week.

Kentucky running back Ray Davis (1) runs in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Kentucky won 38-31. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Clemson carries a 19-year bowl streak into a Gator Bowl matchup against Kentucky

Clemson will meet Kentucky in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida on Dec. 29. The Tigers have won eight games after reaching at least 10 wins in each of the previous 12 seasons.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney lets go of offensive line and defensive ends coaches

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has let go of offensive line coach Thomas Austin and defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall. Swinney announced his decision on Thursday.

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) forces a fumble by North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) just before the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins entering the NFL draft, opting out of bowl

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins is entering the NFL draft and opting out of his team’s bowl game. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney confirmed that Wiggins is turning pro in a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday night.

Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. walks off the field after defeating Notre Dame during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Clemson linebacker Trotter giving up his final college season to enter NFL draft

Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is giving up his final season of college football to enter the NFL draft.

South Carolina running back Mario Anderson runs for a first down during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

Barnes’ TD, Weitz three field goals lift Clemson to 16-7 victory over rival South Carolina

Clemson defensive back Khalil Barnes scored the team’s lone touchdown and kicker Jonathan Weitz made the three longest field goals of his career as the Tigers won their fourth straight game 16-7 over rival South Carolina.

North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) catches a pass while covered by Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Clemson, South Carolina enter Palmetto State’s biggest rivalry on three-game win streaks

Clemson and South Carolina are both coming in hot to the Palmetto State’s biggest rivalry. The teams will meet for the 120th time in a series that began in 1896.

North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) catches a pass while covered by Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Clemson defense, Klubnik take down No. 22 North Carolina for third straight win 31-20

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 219 yards and a toucheown and Clemson’s defense held high-scoring No. 22 North Carolina to its fewest points this season in a 31-20 victory Saturday.

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) smiles as he heads off the field after North Carolina defeated Duke in two overtimes in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

No. 22 North Carolina, Clemson had hoped for an ACC title rematch, instead playing for better bowls

No. 22 North Carolina and Clemson had hoped to play twice this season, the second time a rematch of their Atlantic Coast Conference championship game tussle last December.

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (10) gets the pass off to complete a 2-point conversion, past Duke linebacker Nick Morris Jr. (36) and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (90) during the second overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

No. 22 North Carolina holding out hope it can make the ACC title game. Winning at Clemson a must

No. 22 North Carolina still has a chance at the ACC title game, as long as it breaks a long-run of futility at Clemson.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik passes the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Clemson’s defense smothers Georgia Tech and Klubnik plays almost mistake free in 42-21 Tigers win

Clemson’s defense held one of the best offenses in the country to 250 yards and picked off four passes as the Tigers beat Georgia Tech 42-21 on Saturday.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Bowl eligibility on the line when Clemson looks for ninth straight win over Georgia Tech

Clemson and Georgia Tech are playing for a bowl game when the teams meet at Death Valley on Saturday.

Miami's Donald Chaney, Jr., left, is tackled by North Carolina State's Payton Wilson (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

NC State looks to buck years of struggle at Wake Forest in Saturday’s trip

North Carolina State visits Wake Forest on Saturday. Playing in Winston-Salem has been a problematic spot for the Wolfpack. N.C.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Swinney: Clemson RB Shipley ‘trending’ toward return against Georgia Tech on Saturday

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said injured all-ACC running back Will Shipley is “trending” toward a return to the field against Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Clemson defensive tackle Tre Williams hypes up the crowd before an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Take That, Tyler: Clemson, Swinney hold off No. 12 Notre Dame 31-23

Phil Mafah ran for a career high 186 yards and two touchdowns in relief of the injured Will Shipley and Clemson held off No. 12 Notre Dame 31-23 to end a disheartening two-game losing streak Saturday.

Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with tight end Sage Ennis (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Clemson RB Will Shipley won’t play against No. 12 Notre Dame after hard hit at NC State

Clemson will be without starting running back Will Shipley, who was in concussion protocol after a hard hit at North Carolina State last week where his head snapped forward.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts along the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Column: After a decade of success, Dabo Swinney is suddenly under fire at Clemson

AP Sports Columnist Paul Newberry writes that Dabo Swinney is a bit testy these days. He was once the hottest college football coach in all the land, the guy who seemed poised to supplant Nick Saban as the G.O.A.T. of the sideline.

Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman (10) celebrates with head coach Marcus Freeman during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)

No. 12 Notre Dame plays Clemson in one-time showcase, now undercard

No. 12 Notre Dame looked like a heavyweight fight with College Football Playoff implications on the line when the schedule came out.

Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman (10) celebrates with head coach Marcus Freeman during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)

No. 12 Notre Dame, QB Sam Hartman wary for visit to Clemson despite Tigers’ struggles

Sam Hartman’s not concerned with ending his own 0-5 mark against Clemson, only leading No. 12 Notre Dame to victory over the Tigers when the teams meet Saturday.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts along the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

No. 12 Notre Dame still views Clemson as a ‘premier program’ despite 4-4 record

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman hasn’t changed his mind about Clemson football. He sees the Tigers 4-4 record, the fact they are unranked and face the possibility of missing a bowl game for the first time since 1998 as a mirage.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney watches a reply from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

A mirage in the ACC? Not all those defensive rankings mean teams are playing winning football

Clemson leads the Atlantic Coast Conference in fewest yards allowed this season. The Tigers are just 4-4 this season.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney watches a reply from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Dabo Swinney angrily defends Clemson career to caller on radio show: ‘You can apply for the job’

A frustrated Dabo Swinney defended his Clemson career to a radio caller who questioned his performance as one of college football’s highest-paid coaches.

Clemson running back Will Shipley (1) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Clemson running back Will Shipley in concussion protocol after hit at North Carolina State

Clemson starting tailback Will Shipley is in concussion protocol and his status against No. 12 Notre Dame this week is uncertain.