CLEMSON – NIL is a constant cog in college football’s new era, and it’s simplified recruiting at Clemson.

Head coach Dabo Swinney has been vocal on his opinion about NIL, and the recruiting side of things is where it’s simplified his job. There’s high school players using NIL as their main decision maker, and that’s something that’s allowed the Tigers staff to realize who is right for the program quickly.

“Honestly, it’s made my life easier. It’s made it a simpler process for us and we don’t waste any time in recruiting. It’s pretty clear cut and upfront, who really aligns with who we are and who’s looking for something different,” Swinney said.

While NIL is a heavy hand in recruiting, Swinney was clear that it’s not how Clemson will use it. That doesn’t mean NIL isn’t a factor, but it’s not a leading one in the way this staff recruits.

“Our NIL is for retention, not recruiting. That’s how we’ve used it and that’s been our approach. There’s some kids that are making a decision just on that and that is fine. To each his own,” Swinney said.

When clarifying his stance, Swinney said there’s been Clemson recruits where NIL is important in the process, but it’s not the main part of the decision. “That’s the kids that come to Clemson” according to Swinney.

Clemson is in top five across all major outlets for the 2025 class so far.