Clemson’s 2025 campaign was one the program would rather leave in the rearview mirror. But with the 2026 schedule now officially released by the ACC, there’s a new path forward-and it’s loaded with intrigue, challenges, and a few revenge opportunities.
Let’s break down the Tigers’ full 12-game slate this fall, including some key matchups that could define Dabo Swinney’s bounce-back season. Clemson may even find itself under the Friday night lights more than once.
Sept. 5 - at LSU
The Tigers open with a heavyweight clash in the other Death Valley, and the storylines are already piling up. Not only did Clemson fall to LSU last season, but Lane Kiffin-now at the helm in Baton Rouge-has added some extra spice to this rematch.
Kiffin swiped defensive tackle Stephiylan Green out of Clemson’s program, and he also brought in linebacker T.J. Dottery from Ole Miss, who had originally committed to Clemson. That move reportedly triggered some retaliatory interest from Ole Miss in Clemson signee Luke Ferrelli.
Add in Sam Leavitt, a high-profile transfer quarterback from Arizona State, and LSU looks like a team ready to make noise under its new coach. Meanwhile, Swinney has opted not to dip into the portal for a new signal-caller, sticking with his current QB room. It’s a bold move-and one that will be tested right away.
Sept. 12 - vs. Georgia Southern
Week 2 should offer a breather. Clay Helton’s Georgia Southern squad is a respectable Sun Belt program, going 15-11 over the last two seasons, but this is a game Clemson should control.
Still, after a rocky 2025, nothing can be taken for granted.
Sept. 19 - vs. North Carolina
“Chapel Bill” is coming to town. After visiting Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels in 2025, Clemson gets the return trip this fall.
UNC struggled to a 4-8 record in Belichick’s debut college season, but they did land a Clemson transfer in offensive lineman Rowan Byrne.
Depending on how the opener at LSU goes, this could be a critical early-season test. Clemson could be looking to climb to 2-1-or avoid a 1-2 start.
Sept. 25 (Friday) - at Cal
For the first time, Clemson will head to the West Coast for an ACC game. This Friday night matchup in Berkeley comes just before a major showdown with Miami, making it a potential trap game.
Cal, now led by alum Tosh Lupoi after a stint as Oregon’s defensive coordinator, brings back rising quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. The Tigers will need to manage the travel and stay focused, especially with a national runner-up looming the following week.
Oct. 3 - vs. Miami
The Hurricanes are reloading, and they’re doing it fast. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and wideout Malachi Toney are already stars, and Miami is reportedly targeting Duke’s Darian Mensah in the transfer portal.
Mensah, of course, torched Clemson for 361 yards and four touchdowns in a wild Blue Devils win in Death Valley last season.
This one has the makings of a statement game-for both programs.
Oct. 17 - vs. Charleston Southern
The last time these two met, Charleston Southern gave Clemson an early scare, tying the game at 14 before the Tigers roared back with 52 unanswered points. Expect a more focused start this time around, especially if Clemson is in the thick of the ACC race.
Oct. 24 - vs. Virginia Tech
Fresh off a Pinstripe Bowl clash with Penn State, Clemson now faces James Franklin’s new team: Virginia Tech. The Hokies have been aggressive in the portal, and one familiar face could be under center-Ethan Grunkemeyer, who led Penn State past the Tigers in Yankee Stadium, is now in Blacksburg.
This late-October matchup could carry real weight in the conference standings.
Oct. 31 - at Florida State
Clemson has dominated this rivalry lately, winning nine of the last ten and four straight in Tallahassee. But Mike Norvell is feeling the pressure after a 7-17 stretch over the past two seasons.
He’s turning to the transfer market again, including a bet on Ashton Daniels-formerly of Stanford and Auburn-who struggled in a 2024 loss to Clemson. The Tigers will look to keep their streak alive and perhaps deal another blow to Norvell’s tenure.
Nov. 6 or 7 - at Syracuse
This one’s a bit of a wild card.
It’s scheduled for either Friday or Saturday, which means Clemson could be on a short week. And while Syracuse head coach Fran Brown helped Clemson reach the ACC title game in 2024 with a late-season win over Miami, he returned the favor in 2025-with a gut-punch victory over the Tigers that derailed their season.
Clemson has only lost once in the JMA Wireless Dome, but this could be a tougher trip than it looks on paper.
Nov. 14 - vs. Georgia Tech
In 2025, Georgia Tech delivered a dagger-a 55-yard field goal at the buzzer that dropped Clemson to 1-2. That loss, followed by a flat performance against Syracuse, sent the season into a tailspin.
This time, the Yellow Jackets come to Death Valley later in the year, and Haynes King, their physical, dual-threat QB, is no longer around. Clemson hasn’t lost to Tech at home since 2008, and they’ll be eager to keep that streak intact.
Nov. 21 - at Duke
This one’s personal.
Clemson opened the 2023 season with a loss in Durham and just dropped its first home game to Duke in 45 years. Regardless of Duke’s roster turnover or ACC tiebreaker debates from last season, this game matters.
It’s also Clemson’s third road game in four weeks-a tough stretch that will test the Tigers’ depth and resolve.
Nov. 28 - vs. South Carolina
The Palmetto Bowl closes out the regular season, as always, on a Saturday-per Dabo Swinney’s preference. And if recent history holds, the road team might have the edge.
Each of the last few matchups has seen the visiting side come out on top.
With both programs looking to reassert themselves, this one could be about more than just bragging rights.
Final Takeaway
Clemson’s 2026 schedule is a mix of revenge games, fresh faces, and high-stakes showdowns. From a Friday night out west to a rivalry week finale, the Tigers will have every opportunity to turn the page on 2025.
But with four road games in their final six contests and a brutal opening stretch that includes LSU, UNC, and Miami, the margin for error is razor-thin. If Clemson wants to get back to the top of the ACC-and back into the playoff conversation-it’s going to take resilience, growth, and a few statement wins along the way.