Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are getting set to open their 2026 season against the LSU Tigers, who are the forefront of a controversial rule that allows players to return to college after playing in the NFL.
“Rarely am I at a loss for words,” Swinney said. “But I’m at kind of a loss of words. I would just say it’s kind of embarrassing. I mean, honestly, it’s just embarrassing that that’s where we are. I don’t blame the kids and people trying to take advantage of the system. I just think it’s embarrassing where we are with college football.”
Clemson is a 10-point underdog for its road game against No. 11 LSU, and it’s still unknown who will be on the field for LSU for Lane Kiffin’s debut at Tigers Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Depending on the outcome of a Thursday court hearing in Louisiana, LSU could have multiple players in uniform who have been with NFL franchises during the preseason.
Most notably, Kiffin is attempting to roster tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Both were key starters for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season. Wright spent time with the Browns during the preseason while Harris did a stint with the Saints. Swinney pointed out that a coaching staff typically spends time studying how their Week 1 opponent’s transfers played at their former schools.
Swinney admitted to reporters that he’s been forced to watch NFL games to prepare for the likelihood of some former NFL players being on the LSU sideline.
“Been spending this last week or so studying the Browns, the Cowboys, the Saints and the Bucs trying to get ready,” Swinney said. “I actually got to go watch practice in early June for the Browns. So I’m probably going to get turned in for tampering, I don’t know. I wish I’d have known. I’d have paid a little more attention. Yeah, it’s crazy. It’s hard.”
College football has indeed become insane and it seems like there’s no end in sight.
LSU and Clemson will kickoff on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
