
Clemson’s College Football Decline: Seven Factors Behind the Tigers’ Slump
An analysis of the on‑field and off‑field issues that have reshaped Clemson's recent performance and what the future might hold.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Dabo Swinney across Football.

An analysis of the on‑field and off‑field issues that have reshaped Clemson's recent performance and what the future might hold.
Clemson announced that senior defensive tackle Hevin Brown‑Shuler will sit out the entire 2026 campaign after a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, but the program remains optimistic about his recovery and future return.

Clemson defensive tackle Hevin Brown‑Shuler has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and will miss the 2026 season for treatment, but he expresses confidence in a return for 2027. Coach Dabo Swinney and teammates offer support as the team navigates a depleted defensive line.

Clemson defensive tackle Hevin Brown‑Shuler announces his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and will miss the 2026 season, while coach Dabo Swinney offers public support.
The movie 'Safety' dramatizes Ray Ray McElrathbey’s journey of raising his brother while playing for Clemson, navigating NCAA hurdles, and earning recognition for Disney’s adaptation

The Tigers’ 2026 home slate pits them against three historic rivals, while Lane Kiffin prepares for his debut season amid high expectations.

LSU's 2026 schedule brings together three of college football's powerhouses, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups and a narrative rich with legacy and future promise.

ESPN's early Top 25 still favors traditional powerhouses, but a handful of programs are emerging as potential underdog stories for 2026

After a wave of departures, Duke’s 2026 football slate blends early promise with late‑season trials, culminating in a record that could redefine the program’s trajectory.

Arizona State, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Georgia Tech and Hawai'i each bring distinct storylines that could alter the playoff picture.

After a wave of departures, Duke’s 2026 football slate blends early non‑conference victories with tough conference tests, setting the stage for a balanced finish under Manny Diaz’s leadership.

Duke’s 2026 football slate features two Friday night contests — a revenge match against Virginia in Charlottesville and a home clash with Clemson — plus a season‑opening test against Tulane, setting the stage for a competitive ACC campaign.

Clemson’s 2026 ACC schedule has been reshaped, moving key matchups to Friday and Saturday nights, setting up tough road tests against Syracuse and Duke.

Clemson’s defensive line welcomes Texas State transfer Devarrick Woods, a top‑150 recruit, as the program seeks to replace departed talent and bolster its interior line.

Steve Sarkisian decries the NCAA’s lax enforcement as programs like Ole Miss face accusations of tampering in high‑profile player moves.

The future of the College Football Playoff hangs in the balance as conferences clash over the size of the tournament, with financial stakes and scheduling challenges at the forefront.

Princewill Umanmielen's unexpected transfer from Ole Miss to LSU illustrates the intense rivalry and complex maneuvering that define today's college football landscape.
Clemson’s 2026 football slate opens with a gauntlet of road tests against LSU, Georgia Southern, North Carolina, Cal and Miami, while new coaches and transfer additions reshape the landscape for the Tigers and their rivals.

Auburn, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and LSU are all in the running for the No. 11 safety in the 2027 class, with South Carolina holding a slight edge in the latest forecasts.

Leaders from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big 12 say a 24‑team playoff could level the field for Power Four conferences, guarantee automatic bids and generate new revenue streams while addressing scheduling pressures.

The debate over expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams is intensifying, with the ACC and Big 12 endorsing the format and pressuring the SEC to change its stance.

Clemson’s latest move adds Texas State defensive tackle Devarrick Woods, the eleventh transfer of the offseason, to a unit reshaped by recent injuries.

LSU’s 2026 football schedule reveals two marquee night games — against Clemson on September 5 and Ole Miss on September 19 — both slated for 6:30 p.m. Central Time, as new head coach Lane Kiffin looks to make an immediate impact.

The 2026 season opener pits Clemson against LSU in a primetime ABC broadcast, marking Lane Kiffin's debut as LSU head coach and featuring ESPN's College GameDay.