What is going on with Clemson

Clemson’s 2025 football season has officially gone off the rails. After Saturday’s 34-21 home loss to Syracuse at Memorial Stadium, the Tigers are now more focused on securing six wins and bowl eligibility than pursuing an ACC or national championship.

Entering the season ranked No. 4, Clemson has stumbled to a 1-3 record, including an 0-2 start in the ACC. This marks the program’s worst beginning under coach Dabo Swinney and its worst overall start in 21 years, matching the 1-3 record from 2004 under Tommy Bowden. Syracuse, a 17.5-point underdog, dominated early, building a 17-point first-half lead and a 20-point advantage in the second half. Despite a late surge from quarterback Cade Klubnik and the offense, Clemson managed to score on just one of eight second-half possessions and three of 13 overall. While the Tigers outgained Syracuse 503-433 and had 29 first downs compared to 24, their lackluster first-half defense and inefficient offense sealed their fate in a game marred by a 1-hour, 36-minute lightning delay.

Clemson, a preseason championship contender with 16 returning starters and the fifth-best odds to win the national title, has now lost three consecutive home games to power conference opponents for the first time since 2001. The Tigers are also 1-5 in their last six games against power conference teams, dating back to a 2024 home loss to South Carolina.

Preseason All-American Cade Klubnik struggled with accuracy and connecting with open receivers, completing 37 of 60 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. Adam Randall contributed 130 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Bryant Wesco Jr. added two touchdown receptions. However, Clemson’s once-promising season has unraveled, leaving the team’s national championship aspirations in ruins after just four weeks.