There is much to look forward to this fall for Clemson football. This season will be intriguing for the football team for many reasons: the recent hiring of new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, the influx of transfers on the defensive side and many key offensive players returning.

But it must be stated that the 2026 team will face many tough opponents on the schedule this fall. Below are Clemson’s opponents ranked from strongest to weakest for the upcoming season:

LSU — away, Sept. 5

This game is a must-win for Clemson this fall. After last season’s miserable performance against LSU, it will be interesting to see how Clemson responds in one of college football’s toughest venues. Lane Kiffin crushed the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in talented quarterback Sam Leavitt and many stars on defense, including former Clemson player Stephiylan Green. With a win over LSU, Clemson will have significant momentum going into the early season.

Miami — home, Oct. 3

This season, the Hurricanes were one play away from a sixth national championship title. Head coach Mario Cristobal will look to carry that same momentum into Death Valley in early October. Miami is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball from the portal and high school recruiting. This will be an exciting matchup; if the Tigers win, it will definitely be a tone-setter for the rest of the season.

South Carolina — home, Nov. 28

The year’s Palmetto Bowl has the potential to be another classic. With LaNorris Sellers returning and head coach Shane Beamer bringing in talent from the portal, this game will be tough for the Tigers.

California — away, Sept. 25

This could be a potential trap game for Dabo Swinney and company. Cal has a star at quarterback in Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. This matchup will also be Clemson’s first trip to California since winning the National Championship in 2019.

Virginia Tech — home, Oct. 24

Make no mistake, James Franklin can have an instant impact with Virginia Tech. With a top-25 recruiting class arriving in Blacksburg, Virginia, and an influx of talent from the portal, the Hokies could be a tough opponent for the Tigers.

Florida State — away, Oct. 31

It remains to be seen if this game will be a trick or a treat. One may wonder how much Florida State has improved from last season’s ups and downs, but with a top-20 recruiting class and another influx of players in the portal, FSU could be another worthy adversary. Look for this to be another possible trap game for Clemson.

Georgia Tech — home, Nov. 14

This matchup was a gut-wrenching game for Clemson last season, as the Tigers suffered a last-minute loss in Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets have been a quality ACC team under Brent Key. Expect a line of scrimmage battle in mid-November.

Duke — away, Nov. 21

If Clemson can break a two-game losing streak to the Blue Devils, this win would be a huge momentum boost going into the Palmetto Bowl the following week. Duke will be without star quarterback Darian Mensah, but nonetheless, Manny Diaz will have a well-coached team that will be ready to compete.

Syracuse — away, Nov. 6 or Nov. 7

Clemson has an opportunity for revenge against the Orange. Whether Fran Brown can muster another 10-win season remains to be seen, but expect this team to have another down year.

North Carolina — home, Sept. 19

UNC was a crash-and-burn under first-year head coach Bill Belichick last season. Expect an easier ACC home win against the Tar Heels this fall.

Georgia Southern — home, Sept. 12

Swinney is undefeated in his career against teams from the Sun Belt Conference. Look for a comfortable win over an Eagles team that was 1-11 last season.

Charleston Southern — home, Sept. 17

Finally, Clemson is set to host an in-state foe, CSU. Expect a comfortable margin of victory for the Tigers in mid-October.