Clemson gets another spotlight game on Oct. 3, and this one brings a familiar face back into the conversation.
The Tigers will host Miami in a primetime matchup at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, with Clemson sitting at 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the ACC while the Hurricanes come in unbeaten at 4-0 and 2-0. It will also be Clemson’s second “Saturday Night Football” appearance of the season, following the 51-10 loss to LSU in Week 1.
A big part of the attention around this one is Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, who already has a history of carving up Clemson. Mensah beat the Tigers last season while at Duke, going 27 of 41 for 361 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in a 46-45 Blue Devils win. This year, he has been one of the most efficient passers in the country, piling up 1,211 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, no interceptions and the top quarterback rating in the nation at 93.9.
Clemson’s offense will counter with Tait Reynolds, who has thrown for 523 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and owns a 29 quarterback rating this season.
The Tigers are also carrying a three-game winning streak into the matchup after beating Georgia Southern, North Carolina and California. On the sideline, Dabo Swinney is 1-1 against Miami coach Mario Cristobal.
Tickets are still on the market, with prices on StubHub ranging from $84 to more than $1,900 depending on seat location and ticket quantity. Lower-bowl seats behind Clemson’s sideline are listed from $177 to $228, while lower-bowl seats behind Miami’s sideline run from $177 to $293. Seats behind the end zone without general admission are priced from $183 to $200, and the cheapest options are in the upper bowl behind Clemson’s sideline.
Clemson’s remaining 2026 football schedule:
Sept. 5: Lost 51-10 at LSU
Sept. 12: Won 22-7 vs. Georgia Southern
Sept. 19: Won 28-20 vs. North Carolina
Sept. 25 (Friday): Won 24-10 at California
Oct. 3: vs. Miami (FL) (7:30 p.m., ABC)
Oct. 17: vs. Charleston Southern (TBD)
Oct. 24: vs. Virginia Tech (TBD)
Oct. 31: at Florida State (TBD)
Nov. 7: at Syracuse (TBD)
Nov. 14: vs. Georgia Tech (TBD)
Nov. 20 (Friday): at Duke (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
Nov. 28: vs. South Carolina (TBD)
In Other News...
Dabo Sends Clemson A Clear Warning Before Miami Arrives
The road win gave Clemson a useful reminder of what can travel well, and Dabo Swinney made sure to point to the defense and the kind of finishing drive that can change the tone of a game. He also noted how the quarterback worked through a difficult night, while still stressing confidence in the players growth as the Tigers move deeper into the season.
Now the focus shifts to a home meeting with a strong opponent, and Swinney didnt shy away from the challenge of getting the team back into rhythm after the travel and the quick turnaround. The warning was clear enough: Clemson handled one tough test on the road, but the next one asks for a different level of readiness, especially with Miami coming to town. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson Took A Brutal Backfield Hit Before Miami
Clemsons backfield took another hit heading into a pivotal stretch, with running back David Eziomume expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a leg injury against California. Coach Dabo Swinney confirmed the news and said Eziomume will need surgery, a tough turn for a Tigers offense already managing injuries elsewhere on the roster.
The timing is especially rough with Miami looming, and Clemson is now trying to sort through a thinner mix of options while keeping the rest of the lineup intact. Swinney also said starting guard Elyjah Thurmon, nickel Corian Gipson and defensive tackle Devarrick Woods are dealing with short-term injuries, which at least leaves some reason to think the list of sidelined Tigers may not keep growing much further. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson Just Got A Tougher Miami Test Than Expected
Miamis trip to Clemson is looking a little sturdier than it might have earlier in the week. Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. are expected to be available for the matchup, giving Miami a pair of key pieces back after both missed the Central Michigan game.
Both players were held out as a precaution after minor injuries against Wake Forest, and Cristobal said they are healthy and ready to return. For Clemson, that adds a little more heft to a game already carrying the usual weight of an ACC showdown, especially with Miami likely to be closer to full strength than it was in its last outing. [Read more 🡒]