THE FOUNDATION isn't BROKEN
A few weeks ago, I floated the question of whether Dabo could preserve the vaunted “Clemson Culture” as the losses piled up and the program’s internal wires seemed to fray. Well, we’ve at least gotten part of that answer. Clemson has ripped off four straight wins and marched into Columbia to take down the Gamecocks by two scores.
Now, let’s be real: this season isn’t a success by Clemson’s standard, nor by the standard of a fanbase that’s grown accustomed to far grander scenery. But there’s something to be said—something meaningful—about keeping the wheels from coming off, grinding through a bruising October and November, and emerging from the regular season at 7–5 after sitting at 3–5 not long ago.
Contract time is looming, so soon enough we’ll find out where most of this roster stands regarding next year. But another storyline is on the horizon, one that once felt like a Hail Mary: Clemson will indeed be heading to a bowl game despite early-season doubt. The question now—maybe the biggest one—is simple: who will actually play in it?
Dabo says he doesn’t expect any opt-outs, and he might be right. But if I had to wager, I’d say there are a few Tigers who won’t be suited up for that one. Some are the obvious NFL-bound names gearing up for the draft, but there are also players who, if we’re being honest, are probably getting their paperwork ready for the portal.
Speaking of the portal, it’s my understanding Clemson plans to hit it hard and with authority. Not a full-scale roster overhaul, but certainly more than the three additions we saw last offseason. Safety, DB, defensive end—those spots jump off the page—and there are offensive needs that will absolutely have to be addressed. Clemson is bringing in six offensive linemen in the ’26 class, but depending on freshmen to anchor an offensive line for a full season is a pipe dream. Matt Luke will almost certainly have his hands on a few portal targets he likes.
And with Tom Allen’s son stepping into a larger role on defense—particularly in the DB room—you can probably read the tea leaves: coaching changes on that side of the ball feel more likely than not. I’m not naming names or predicting firings, but the writing on the wall isn’t exactly subtle.
Anyway—enough doom and gloom. The Tigers deserve their flowers, and they’ll get them here. I was critical of this team early, and all they’ve done over the last four weeks is find ways to win. Was it pretty? Absolutely not. But they’ve played with heart, and that demands respect.
I respect Cade for sticking it out, and now he has confirmed that he will play in that, which I can definitely respect. In the wild world of CFB, where opt-outs multiply daily, a senior QB—already banged up—choosing to fulfill his commitment to his school and finish his career here is something worth acknowledging.
I’ll have more news for y’all when things develop, but for now we’re all just going to have to wait and see how this shakes out.