Entering the 2025 season, Clemson football is expected to be one of the top national title contenders in the country. Dabo Swinney has constructed one of the top rosters filled with NFL talent and he's returning the most production of any team in the Power Four.
Swinney has had some disappointing seasons since 2020 and hasn't won a national title since 2018, but he gets the benefit of the doubt because he's been as consistent as anyone.
In fact, he's won at least 10 games in all but one season since 2011.
There was a time in which he was actually considered the best head coach in college football not named Nick Saban. He was No. 2 on every list following the 2018 national title, but he's since slipped since the Tigers haven't won it all since -- although he's been dominating the ACC.
Now that Saban is retired, Swinney should slide up to No. 1 right?
Unfortunately not as the college football landscape has shifted so much over the past decade, but Swinney is still near the top. Pro Football Focus ranked their top 10 head coach in the country ahead of the 2025 season and Dabo was right up there in the top three.
Top 10 Head Coaches in College Football♨️ pic.twitter.com/PQqnaQygTg
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 8, 2025
I think putting Ryan Day ahead of Dabo makes PFF prisoners of the moment because he has just one national title and has been falling short against Michigan since he took over.
As for Kirby Smart, it's tough to argue that one as Georgia has won multiple titles and he's arguably the best recruiter in college football right now.
Still, No. 3 isn't too bad for Dabo, although I'd bet he slides up to No. 2 or No. 1 by season's end.