Clemson’s 2025 season came to a frustrating end at Yankee Stadium, where the Tigers fell to Penn State 22-10 in the Pinstripe Bowl - and the offensive struggles that have plagued them all year were on full display. While no single person shoulders the blame for a loss, it’s clear that the spotlight is shining brightly - and critically - on offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
From the opening drive, Clemson’s offense looked out of sync. There was no rhythm, no flow, and certainly no spark. The Tigers managed just 236 total yards, and the issues were widespread - the passing game never found its footing, and the ground attack struggled to gain traction against a disciplined and physical Penn State front.
Meanwhile, Penn State racked up 398 total yards and controlled the tempo throughout. Clemson’s defense held its own for stretches, but with the offense unable to sustain drives or capitalize on opportunities, the pressure became too much. The Tigers couldn’t mount a late-game comeback, and the loss sealed a 7-6 finish to a season that began with far higher expectations.
Naturally, much of the postgame conversation has turned toward Riley and his role in the Tigers’ offensive woes. Fans have been vocal - and relentless - in their criticism, pointing to what they see as a lack of creativity and in-game adjustments. And while fan frustration is nothing new after a tough loss, the volume and consistency of the backlash this time around is hard to ignore.
The concern isn’t just about one game - it’s about a trend. Clemson’s offense has looked stagnant for much of the season, and the Pinstripe Bowl only amplified those concerns.
The Tigers have talent, but the scheme hasn’t consistently put players in position to succeed. That’s where the questions about Riley’s play-calling come in.
At times, the offense has looked overly conservative, predictable, and disconnected from the strengths of its personnel.
This isn’t the first time Riley’s name has come up in coaching conversations - he was linked to the Coastal Carolina head coaching job earlier this year, though nothing materialized. Now, the question isn’t where he might go next, but whether he’ll still be in Clemson when the new year rolls around.
For head coach Dabo Swinney, it’s decision time. Clemson’s standard is higher than 7-6.
This is a program that expects to compete for ACC titles and College Football Playoff spots - not just bowl eligibility. Swinney has built that standard himself, and now he’s facing pressure to make the kind of staff changes that could reignite the program’s identity.
Whether that includes moving on from Riley remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Tigers can’t afford to stand still. The college football landscape is evolving fast, and if Clemson wants to stay in the national conversation, the offense needs to evolve with it.
The offseason will bring answers - and likely, change. The only question is how far Swinney is willing to go to get Clemson back to where it believes it belongs.