Former Critic Changes Tune as Clemson Tigers Enter Fall Camp Poised for Redemption and Return to College Football Elite
As Clemson prepares to open fall camp for the 2025 college football season, a surprising voice has emerged in support of the Tigers — one that, until recently, was among the program’s loudest skeptics. National college football analyst and long-time Clemson critic Bart Jenkins has reversed course, offering a newly optimistic view of Dabo Swinney’s squad and predicting a potential resurgence for a team many had begun to count out. The timing of the shift is significant and adds a fresh layer of intrigue as Clemson looks to reassert itself atop the ACC and national stage.
Jenkins, known for his blunt assessments and unapologetic opinions, has spent the better part of the last three seasons casting doubt on the Tigers’ ability to evolve in a rapidly changing college football landscape. From Swinney’s initial resistance to the transfer portal to Clemson’s struggles to sustain elite quarterback play post-Trevor Lawrence, Jenkins had frequently cited the Tigers as a cautionary tale — a former powerhouse clinging to outdated methods while others adapted and passed them by. But after a detailed offseason evaluation of Clemson’s roster, staff changes, and overall direction, Jenkins has offered what he called “a long-overdue correction.”
“I’ve been as critical of Clemson as anyone in this industry,” Jenkins said during a recent appearance on a national sports network. “But I’ve also got to be fair. What I’m seeing heading into this fall is a team that has quietly addressed its issues, shored up its roster, and now looks primed to make serious noise again. I believe Clemson is going to surprise a lot of people this year — myself included.”
What changed Jenkins’ mind? For starters, he pointed to the revamped offensive staff and the development of sophomore quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who is expected to take the reins this fall after a full offseason of first-team reps. Vizzina, a former five-star recruit, flashed promise in limited action last season and has reportedly made massive strides in accuracy, decision-making, and leadership. His maturation, combined with an offensive scheme that blends tempo, creativity, and balance, gives Clemson the potential to field its most dynamic unit since the peak of the Lawrence era.
“Clemson finally looks like they’ve got their guy again at quarterback,” Jenkins said. “Vizzina isn’t just talented — he’s composed. He understands the weight of the position at Clemson, and he looks ready to carry it.”
That confidence is echoed within the program. Swinney and his staff have praised Vizzina’s offseason work ethic, particularly his commitment to film study and communication with receivers. Reports from summer workouts suggest that Vizzina has developed strong chemistry with a talented, albeit young, receiving corps that includes Antonio Williams, Tyler Brown, and five-star freshman Bryant Wesco. There’s a growing sense that Clemson’s passing game — long the Achilles’ heel of its recent teams — could finally be ready to rejoin the national conversation.
But it’s not just about offense. Jenkins also cited Clemson’s continued dominance on defense as a reason for renewed optimism. The Tigers return key veterans at all three levels, including standout linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive lineman Peter Woods, who emerged last season as a force in the trenches. Under new defensive coordinator Mickey Conn, who steps into a larger role following the departure of Wes Goodwin, Clemson is expected to maintain its trademark physicality while introducing more aggressive blitz packages and varied coverages.
“Clemson’s defense is still nasty,” Jenkins noted. “You’ve got NFL talent across the board and depth at every position. That alone keeps them in every game.”
Perhaps the most important element in Jenkins’ reversal, however, is the philosophical shift he sees happening within the Clemson program itself. While Swinney remains rooted in his values and culture, he has shown signs of adaptation. Clemson has increased its activity in the transfer portal — modest by SEC standards, but meaningful for a program that once prided itself on doing things “the Clemson way.” This offseason, the Tigers added key contributors at offensive line and cornerback, addressing two of their most pressing needs with experienced talent. Swinney has also modernized certain aspects of team operations and player development, reflecting a willingness to evolve without sacrificing identity.
For critics like Jenkins, that balance had long seemed elusive. Now, he believes Clemson has found it. “There was a time when I thought Swinney was too stubborn to adjust,” he said. “But he’s making smart moves. Not chasing headlines, but filling gaps. Building depth. This is a coach who’s not just trying to prove he was right — he’s trying to win.”
Clemson enters fall camp with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove. After missing the College Football Playoff for four straight seasons and watching programs like Florida State, Georgia, and Michigan dominate the national conversation, the Tigers are eager to reclaim their place among the elite. Their 9–4 finish in 2024 — including a resounding Gator Bowl victory — offered a glimpse of what could be, particularly if the offense continues to progress.
The ACC schedule offers opportunities for statement wins, with marquee matchups against Florida State, Miami, and NC State, as well as a season-ending rivalry clash with South Carolina. If Clemson can emerge from that gauntlet with a strong record and a conference title, a return to the playoff is not out of the question — especially with the expanded 12-team format debuting this season.
That expansion is another factor playing into Jenkins’ new outlook. With more playoff spots available, teams like Clemson that might previously have been edged out now have a more realistic path to contention. For a program with the talent, infrastructure, and pedigree of Clemson, that’s a significant advantage.
“It’s not just about beating Georgia or Alabama anymore,” Jenkins said. “It’s about being in that top tier consistently. Clemson is built for that. They’ve just needed to fix a few things. And from what I’m seeing, they have.”
The reaction among Clemson fans to Jenkins’ reversal has been a mix of amusement, skepticism, and cautious validation. Some have welcomed the change as a sign that national perception is finally catching up to what insiders have been saying for months. Others have been more guarded, noting that Clemson doesn’t need outside approval to succeed. Still, it’s hard to deny that when a prominent critic turns into a believer, it adds a certain energy heading into fall camp.
Inside the program, Swinney hasn’t publicly commented on Jenkins’ change of heart, but those who know him say he remains focused on the work ahead, not the noise behind or around the program. For Swinney, the mission is the same: develop leaders, compete at a championship level, and do it with integrity. Whether outsiders finally agree or not is secondary to the internal standard Clemson holds itself to.
As the Tigers take the field for fall camp, the mood around the program feels different than it did a year ago. There’s less uncertainty, more resolve. A sense that the pieces are finally falling back into place. For a team that once defined the standard in college football, the hunger to return is palpable — not just among coaches and players, but fans and alumni who’ve tasted greatness and want more.
Bart Jenkins’ reversal may not guarantee success, but it reflects something real: Clemson is no longer a team on the decline. It’s a team on the rise again, determined to reclaim what it believes is rightfully its place among the college football elite.
And if things unfold the way Clemson hopes this fall, Jenkins won’t be the last doubter forced to eat his words.
