In the world of college football, Clemson's head coach Dabo Swinney has been making waves, and not just on the field. A month after Swinney publicly accused Ole Miss and their coach Pete Golding of tampering with linebacker Luke Ferrelli, the situation remains tense. Although the public updates have slowed, Clemson is far from passive, eagerly awaiting the NCAA's verdict on what they've labeled a clear case of tampering.
Swinney, speaking at the start of Clemson’s spring practice, emphasized the need for clarity on what’s permissible in the recruiting landscape. “It’s not just about one player,” Swinney noted. “We need to understand what’s allowed and what’s not from a coaching standpoint.”
As of now, Clemson hasn't received an official update from the NCAA regarding their investigation into Ole Miss. Back in January, Swinney had openly criticized Golding and Ole Miss’s general manager Austin Thomas for allegedly tampering with Ferrelli, who had initially committed to Clemson before switching to the Rebels. Clemson’s athletic director, Graham Neff, has also been vocal, urging the NCAA to take action.
The NCAA has acknowledged the ongoing investigation, and a recent memo from their vice president of enforcement highlighted the importance of pursuing significant penalties for tampering violations. This memo serves as a reminder of the rules prohibiting coaches from contacting players not in the transfer portal.
For now, Clemson is in a holding pattern, waiting to see how the situation unfolds. Ole Miss has remained silent on the allegations, and Golding has not addressed the media since the accusations surfaced. Swinney claims Golding reached out to Ferrelli during an 8 a.m. class, asking about a potential buyout.
Swinney’s comments have certainly sparked broader discussions within the coaching community. During a recent retreat with fellow coaches from Nike-sponsored schools, the topic of tampering was front and center. Swinney questioned the lack of formal rules about the transfer portal, asking how many times a player can enter and exit within a short period.
The situation isn't isolated to Clemson. Fresno State also reported Ole Miss and Golding for tampering with their star receiver Josiah Freeman, who remains with the Bulldogs.
Interestingly, Swinney hasn't spoken directly to Golding, who took over at Ole Miss after Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU. As Clemson kicks off spring practice, the absence of Ferrelli is still a sore point for Swinney, who expressed frustration over the impact on their recruitment strategy.
In other news from Clemson’s spring practice, receiver Tristan Smith is participating fully despite an ongoing legal battle with the NCAA over his eligibility. Smith, who transferred from Southeast Missouri State, is seeking an additional year of eligibility and has a hearing scheduled for June. Swinney expressed hope for a positive outcome, emphasizing the importance of the process.
On the injury front, Clemson enters spring practice relatively healthy, though tight end Olsen Patt-Henry and offensive lineman Collin Sadler will miss the entire session. Several players, including starting receiver T.J. Moore and linebacker Sammy Brown, will be limited as they recover from injuries.
Receiver Bryant Wesco Jr., who suffered a serious fall last October, is making a strong recovery. While he’ll avoid live scrimmages this spring, Swinney is optimistic about Wesco’s progress, noting, “He’s doing great.”
As the Tigers gear up for another season, these developments will certainly be ones to watch.