Clemson’s promising start to 2026 hit a wall in South Bend. The Tigers rolled into the weekend with a Top 20 ranking, but after getting swept by Notre Dame, they’ve crashed out of the national conversation. Now, Erik Bakich’s team is left scrambling for solutions, staring down their worst ACC start since the Eisenhower era.
The Ranking Reality Check
The polls made it clear: Clemson isn’t in the elite mix anymore. Only one outlet kept them barely afloat, but until the Tigers show they can win ACC games away from home, they’re on the outside looking in.