CLEMSON — Clemson’s dismal start to the season has been one of the biggest storylines in college football to date.

After the 34-21 loss to Syracuse on Saturday, the Tigers are sitting at 1-3, the program’s worst start under Dabo Swinney. The team is also 0-2 in league play, meaning any hope Clemson had of playing for an ACC Championship has been extinguished.

Even some of the current commits have been surprised, including four-star LB Max Brown (Jefferson, GA), who is the younger brother of current LB Sammy Brown.

“It is pretty surprising and pretty disappointing to see,” the younger Brown told The Clemson Insider. “Especially with my brother being on the team. I see him playing his heart out, and the rest of the team playing their heart out and falling short. I know it is really hard for them.”

Brown believes the Tigers have the talent to be successful, but what he’s seen to this point is a team that just can’t put it all together for whatever reason. However, he still believes this team can rebound and finish strong.

“All games really come down to just a few plays,” Brown said. “Like with Syracuse, that onside kick really set the tone for the rest of the game. Georgia Tech, the turnovers. LSU, just a few plays that could have determined the outcome.”

“They have the player and the coaches. They just aren’t executing 100%. Inconsistent is probably the best word I can describe it with. I still believe in them. They are just not playing the way they are capable of.”

Brown was the first player in the 2027 class to commit to Clemson. He nabbed one of the Tigers’ opening offers and committed on the spot, going public a few days later.

The blue-chip talent was off to a sizzling start before a knee injury suffered a little over a week ago ended his junior season.

After watching his older brother go through the recruiting process with Clemson, Brown has long known what school he wanted to play for at the next level, and slow start or not, he’s not wavering.

“I am still a Tiger through and through,” he said. “It is not going to change my decision. Nothing is going to change that. I know the type of people who are there at Clemson, and I know they are going to bounce back. I can feel it. The people there are the right people. I know they aren’t going to quit, and the coaches are going to hold them accountable. I know they are going to bounce back. Whether it’s next week or next year.”

A big part of that stems from his belief in Swinney. Brown is more than confident that the longtime head coach will do whatever it takes to get his program back on the right track.

“Coach Swinney, I think he is the best coach in all of college football,” Brown said. “I know he is going to get us on the right track. I know coach (Tom) Allen, coach (Ben) Boulware, all the defensive coaches, they are going to do the right thing. I am here to stay.”

Photo by Bart Boatwright