Here’s a captivating introduction for the article: In the realm of college football, few programs have consistently risen to the top as a dominant force, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s landscape. Among the storied institutions, Clemson University stands as one of the most storied, with a legacy that spans over four decades. As one of the top-ranked programs in the country, Clemson has proven itself to be a true powerhouse in the game, boasting a storied tradition of producing talented athletes who excel in the most competitive leagues, including the National Football League. In this edition of Sports Illustrated, we take a look at the latest rankings that have cemented Clemson’s status as an elite program, a testament to its enduring excellence on the field.
Clemson’s Athletic Prowess
The Clemson Tigers have one of the best athletic programs in the country, and new ranking lists are confirming their elite status in two of the most popular sports: basketball and football.
Clemson’s Consistency in Basketball
Clemson’s men’s basketball program has been a consistent powerhouse under the guidance of Coach Brad Brownell, who enters his 15th season at the helm in 2024-25. With a career record of 432-274, Brownell is the winningest coach in Clemson basketball history.
- Brownell has taken the Tigers to the 2024 Elite Eight, 2021 NCAA Tournament, 2018 Sweet 16, 2011 NCAA Tournament, and three NIT appearances.
- He is No. 1 in Clemson coaching history in terms of winning percentage against ACC competition, with a record of 128-72 (.640).
- The Tigers have won 47 games over the last two seasons, the second-most in program history, and have posted a .625 (25-15) win percentage in the ACC over that same time period.
- The Tigers also picked up commitments from a trio of offensive linemen: Adam Guthrie from Ohio and two Florida natives, Chance Barclay and Grant Wise.
- This massive haul bumped Clemson’s commit total for the 2026 cycle up to 11, and they are still looking to add more in the coming weeks.
- The Tigers made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff since 2020 last season, and their recruiting efforts are signaling a shift in their philosophy when it comes to acquiring talent.
Clemson’s Football Program on the Rise
The Clemson Tigers football program has been on the rise, and their recruiting efforts are a major reason for the surge in success. In the past several days, the Tigers picked up commitments from five separate recruits, all of which were rated four-stars per the 247Sports Composite.
The Impact of Coaching
Clemson’s success in both basketball and football can be attributed in large part to the impact of their coaches. Coach Brad Brownell’s leadership has been instrumental in the Tigers’ success on the hardwood.
Coach Brad Brownell’s Leadership in Basketball
Brownell has been instrumental in the Tigers’ success, leading the team to several NCAA Tournament appearances and winning 47 games over the last two seasons. His leadership has also led to the development of several standout players, including Ian Schieffelin, who earned the ACC’s Most Improved Player award in 2022-23.
- Brownell has taken the Tigers to the 2024 Elite Eight, 2021 NCAA Tournament, 2018 Sweet 16, 2011 NCAA Tournament, and three NIT appearances.
- He has also developed several standout players, including Ian Schieffelin, who earned the ACC’s Most Improved Player award in 2022-23.
- Under Brownell’s guidance, the Tigers have won 47 games over the last two seasons, the second-most in program history, and have posted a .625 (25-15) win percentage in the ACC over that same time period.
New Ranking List Shows Clemson Is Elite in Two Most Popular Sports – Sports Illustrated
The Clemson Tigers have one of the best athletic programs in the country. With their impressive record and awards, they have proven themselves as a top contender in not one, but two of the most popular sports in the nation: football and basketball.
Career Record and ACC Success
Head coach Brad Brownell has led the Clemson men’s basketball program for 14 seasons, compiling a 265-189 record, which places him first all-time in Clemson coaching history with 265 victories. He has taken the Tigers to the 2024 Elite Eight, 2021 NCAA Tournament, 2018 Sweet 16, 2011 NCAA Tournament, and three NIT appearances. Brownell enters his 23rd season overall with a career record of 432-274.
Player Development and Awards
Three players, PJ Hall, Chase Hunter, and Ian Schieffelin, were named to the NCAA All-Regional team, most in one year in Clemson history. Had just two selections total previously (Larry Nance, 1980, Gabe Devoe, 2018). Clemson defeated nine NCAA Tournament teams, six in the regular season and three in the tournament, the most in a season in school history. Seven of the nine wins were recorded away from home, most in a season in school history.
Dabo Swinney’s Adaptation in Football
Shift in Philosophy and Recruiting Strategy
The Clemson Tigers football program just capped off a monster weekend on the recruiting trail, which has seen their stock rise massively in the 2026 cycle. In the past several days, the Tigers picked up commitments from five separate recruits, all of which were rated four-stars per the 247Sports Composite. This was the culmination of Clemson’s annual Elite Retreat, an event they host every spring which brings in some of the top high school players from around the nation.
Use of the Transfer Portal and NIL
Swinney is shedding his labels of being stubborn and not adapting to the changing landscape of college football. The use of the transfer portal and NIL is a major shift in his philosophy, and recruiting efforts like this are further proof. If Clemson is able to stay hot on the recruiting trail, then it won’t be long before they are right back in the mix for a national title.
The Future of Clemson Athletics
Basketball’s Elite Eight Finish and ACC Dominance
Clemson’s men’s basketball team finished the 2023-24 season with an Elite Eight appearance, marking their best finish since 1980. They also dominated the ACC, winning 14 games in the conference, a program record. Clemson started 7-0 and 10-1 in the ACC last year and the seven consecutive league wins tied a school record that dated to 1967.
Football’s Recruiting Haul and National Championship Hopes
The Clemson Tigers football program has recently seen a massive boost in their recruiting efforts, picking up commitments from five four-star recruits. This haul bumped Clemson’s commit total for the 2026 cycle up to 11, and they are still looking to add more in the coming weeks. The Tigers made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff since 2020 last season, and with recruiting efforts like this, it won’t be long before they are back in the mix for a national title.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the recent ranking list from Sports Illustrated, one thing is clear: Clemson has cemented its status as an elite program in two of the most popular sports in the country – football and basketball. The Tigers’ impressive rankings in both sports are a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to consistently produce top-notch talent. From the gridiron to the hardwood, Clemson’s teams have consistently demonstrated a level of dominance that is unmatched by many of their peers.
The significance of this ranking cannot be overstated. Clemson’s elite status in football and basketball has far-reaching implications for the program, its fans, and the broader college sports landscape. It sets a high bar for other programs to follow, and it puts Clemson in a position to attract top recruits and compete for national championships. Moreover, the Tigers’ success in these two sports has a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of fans and cementing Clemson’s reputation as a powerhouse program.
As Clemson looks to the future, one thing is certain: the Tigers will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college sports. They will continue to push the boundaries of excellence, innovate, and adapt to stay ahead of the curve. And as they do, they will inspire a new generation of athletes, coaches, and fans to strive for greatness. In the end, Clemson’s elite status is not just a reflection of their current success – it’s a promise of the incredible things to come.