Clemson Football: Is this the most talented Tigers team ever?

Clemson football is the gold standard for developmental programs. For years, the Tigers did not recruit on the level of the Alabamas and Ohio States of college football. Clemson would target specific blue-chip players (i.e., Christian Wilkins, DeShaun Watson) and develop others.

Clemson’s recruiting could be split into two categories: before Trevor Lawrence and after Trevor Lawrence. Dabo Swinney began at Clemson in 2008. Clemson had four top-10 classes in Swinney’s first ten seasons.

Beginning with Lawrence’s class (2018), the Tigers have five top-ten classes, including two in the top five. This current class (2022) is ranked 10th and it is still early in recruiting. That makes this roster the most talented in Swinney’s tenure.

Will that translate into national titles? That remains to be seen. While the Tigers are recruiting better than they have in school history, the same can be said of Ohio State and Alabama just brought in the best recruiting class ever.

We know that their dominance in the ACC should continue this season despite the heavy roster turnover. The Tigers need to prove they can do it in the postseason.