National outlet ranks Clemson's place in College Football Playoff era best

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The four-team College Football Playoff era ended last year, and a new one begins with 12 teams in 2024. Over the last ten years, Dabo Swinney's Tigers stand up very well as a program in the rankings.

Sporting News ranked the best programs within the CFP era, and Clemson (117 points) falls second only to Alabama (169) and ahead of Ohio State (110) and Georgia (102).

"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," SN's Bill Bender said. "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 ten seasons. Clemson is 30-10 the last three years – and the new format will make them a playoff regular again."

In a format now that will likely reward the ACC champion with a CFP spot (bids to the top-5-ranked conference champions), Clemson seeks a return to the CFP for the first time since 2020.

Florida State is the next-best team from the ACC in terms of ranking, at No. 12 (18.5 points).

Sporting News ranks best teams of CFP era

1. Alabama (169 points)

2. Clemson (117)

3. Ohio State (110)

4. Georgia (102)

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