How does Clemson stack up among the top programs of the College Football Playoff era, according to this national outlet?

This week, Sporting News ranked the 12 best programs of the playoff era, and Dabo Swinney’s program has a spot at the top.

Clemson checked in at No. 2, behind only Alabama, in the ranking – which Sporting News came up with using a formula assessing programs based on national titles, championship game appearances, playoff appearances, New Year’s Six appearances, winning percentage, consensus All-Americans, NFL Draft picks and Heisman winners.

With all that considered, Clemson ended up with a total score of 117, second to only the 169 points that Alabama tallied.

“Is this a glitch in the formula? Ohio State and Georgia have a strong argument here, but the Tigers were a two-time national champion like the Bulldogs and have four CFP championship game appearances,” Sporting News’ Bill Bender wrote. “Maybe some of that was built on the ACC schedule. Clemson produced 55 NFL Draft picks in this stretch and nine consensus All-Americans. Still not convinced? The Bulldogs were not the powerhouse they are now at the beginning of the CFP era, and Clemson was 2-1 against Ohio State in CFP semifinals. This might change in the 12-team CFP era,  but Dabo Swinney did his part to keep the Tigers elite over the last 10 seasons. Clemson is 30-10 the last three years – and the new format will make them a playoff regular again.”

The top five in the Sporting News ranking also features Ohio State (110 points), Georgia (102) and Michigan (74). Florida State (18.5) rounded out the top 12 at No. 12.

After missing the four-team playoff in each of the last three seasons, Clemson is looking to make the inaugural 12-team playoff in the upcoming 2024 campaign.

The 12-team playoff format for 2024 will include the five highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams as determined by the selection committee.

Clemson, which went 9-4 (4-4 ACC) in 2023, kicks off the upcoming season against Georgia in Atlanta on Aug. 31.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!