The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll has not listed the Clemson Tigers in its rankings for the first time since 2011, a rarity that underscores the shifting expectations around the program.
Clemson nonetheless gathered 112 votes from national writers, the most of any team that failed to crack the final list, reflecting lingering respect for the program’s pedigree.
Coach Dabo Swinney, who guided the Tigers to a 22‑10 overall record last season, remains bullish, emphasizing that the team’s work ethic will speak louder than any preseason tally.
A New Era for LSU
The Tigers’ new head coach, Lane Kiffin, arrived in Baton Rouge after a stint at Ole Miss that ended just before the Rebels’ playoff run, bringing a fresh offensive philosophy to a program that is currently ranked No. 11 in both the AP and coaches polls.
Clemson will open its season against LSU on September 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET, a matchup that will be broadcast on ABC and is already generating buzz among fans eager to see how the unranked Tigers respond to a top‑ten opponent.
Meanwhile, South Carolina’s 2025 campaign ended at 4‑8, capped by a 28‑14 defeat to their in‑state rivals, and the Gamecocks received a modest 10 votes in the same preseason poll.
Their season opener is scheduled for September 5 at 12:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network, where they will face Kent State in a game that could set the tone for a rebound effort.