Head coach Dabo Swinney consoles quarterback Cade Klubnik (left), and safety RJ Mickens (right), after Clemson’s loss to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Tight end Jake Briningstool celebrates a first down during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Texas legend and movie star Matthew McConaughey gives the “Hook ’em Horns” signal to Longhorn fans before the matchup against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik cuts a run up field during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

One yard stood between Clemson and a one-score game in the fourth quarter of their 38–24 loss to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik takes a hit on a run during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Wide receiver TJ Moore makes a contested catch during the Tigers’ matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik (left), and safety RJ Mickens (right), embrace after Clemson’s loss to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Defensive end Levi Matthews jogs off the field following Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Head coach Dabo Swinney waits for all his players to come off the field following Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Clemson’s offense celebrates after wide receiver TJ Moore (1) scores a touchdown during the Tigers’ matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik surveys the field during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Clemson’s defense take down the Texas ball carrier during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Wide receiver Antonio Williams celebrates a touchdown on the opening drive during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Wide receiver Adam Randall drags the Texas defense up field during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Wide receiver Antonio Williams gets past the Texas defense for touchdown on the opening drive during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik (right) and wide receiver Antonio Williams (left) celebrate as the come off the field following a touchdown during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik rolls out of the pocket during Clemson’s matchup against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2024.