Clemson’s 2025 season came to a frustrating close in the Pinstripe Bowl with a 7-6 final record-an outcome that falls well short of the preseason expectations that surrounded this program. Just a year removed from a College Football Playoff appearance, the Tigers entered this season with National Championship aspirations. Instead, they leave it with more questions than answers and a fanbase demanding accountability.
A Winter of Reckoning for Dabo Swinney
Now begins what might be the most pivotal offseason of Dabo Swinney’s career. The pressure is on, and while there are a lot of decisions to be made, one stands out as particularly urgent: the future of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
Saturday’s 10-point performance in the Pinstripe Bowl against a Penn State squad missing several key players-including starters and its head coach-wasn’t just a bad night. It was a microcosm of a season-long offensive struggle that never found its footing. And for Riley, it could very well be the final chapter of a forgettable year in charge of Clemson’s offense.
An Offense That Never Clicked
Let’s be clear: Clemson had talent. This wasn’t a roster short on weapons.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik came into the year with NFL buzz and even some Heisman chatter. He had a trio of high-level receivers in Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore.
On paper, this was an offense that should’ve been dynamic. Instead, it sputtered.
The Tigers averaged just 27.2 points per game this season-a number that drops to 25.6 if you take away the blowout wins over Furman and Troy. For a program with Clemson’s pedigree and expectations, that’s simply not good enough.
Klubnik’s regression was one of the season’s biggest disappointments. After showing flashes of brilliance last year, he never looked fully comfortable in Riley’s system.
His mechanics looked off, his decision-making inconsistent, and the offense lacked rhythm. That’s not all on the quarterback.
The system didn’t help him.
Pinstripe Bowl: The Breaking Point
If there was any doubt about the direction of this offense, the Pinstripe Bowl erased it. Clemson mustered just 10 points against a Penn State defense missing several starters.
The Tigers dropped six passes and averaged a paltry 1.7 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts. The play-calling leaned heavily on screen passes, which Penn State sniffed out early and often.
Adjustments were minimal. The result?
An offense that looked disjointed, predictable, and flat.
It’s one thing to struggle against elite defenses at full strength. It’s another to get out-schemed by an interim staff with backups on the field.
Time for a Change
Garrett Riley was brought in to elevate this offense to the next level-the same way he helped TCU reach the national title game. That didn’t happen. Whether it was a system mismatch, a lack of in-game adjustments, or an inability to maximize the talent on hand, the results just weren’t there.
With Klubnik likely moving on and several playmakers set to depart, this is a natural inflection point for Clemson. It’s a chance to reset, to bring in a new voice who can re-energize the offense and develop the next wave of talent. Dabo Swinney has always been loyal to his staff, but this offseason may require some tough decisions.
The Tigers still have the pieces to contend. But if they want to get back to the College Football Playoff-and stay there-they need an offense that can keep pace with the modern game. That starts with finding the right leader to call the plays.