The Clemson football team continues to operate differently than most programs in today’s era of college football. While many teams rely heavily on the transfer portal to bring in talent, head coach Dabo Swinney largely rejects that approach. He prefers to develop players over the course of three to four years within the program.
This transfer portal season, Swinney brought in only three players—a modest number by today's standards, but a notable move for him. Clemson is poised to field a veteran squad, one that’s hopeful for a deeper postseason run than last year.
Swinney also made a key move this offseason by hiring a new defensive coordinator. Tom Allen, who previously coached at Penn State, took the job. When asked about his decision, Allen cited the importance of family.
“My family is very important to me, and this move provides us with the unique opportunity to live close to our daughter,” Allen told 247Sports. “Our children have made countless sacrifices throughout the years in the coaching profession, and this move brings us together.”
While the defense looks strong under Allen's leadership, the offense is also in good hands with quarterback Cade Klubnik returning. Klubnik has been studying film of NFL talent, including highlights from Bailey Zappe’s senior year, as he prepares to lead the Tigers.
This year’s Clemson team has a high ceiling. According to USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer, the roster draws comparisons to Clemson’s championship-winning squads.
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“Clemson's veteran, talented roster reminds me a bit of Swinney's teams from a heyday when he won two national championships in three years behind proven quarterbacks, talented wide receivers and stingy defenses,” Toppmeyer wrote.
This will be the final season for Klubnik and Swinney together on the field, and they’re looking to make the most of it. With Allen’s defense in place and a seasoned core returning, optimism around this Clemson team continues to build.