Dabo Swinney wasn’t interested in letting a question about the future of college football pull his attention away from Clemson’s next game.
His response when asked Tuesday about a potential 24-team College Football Playoff was direct.
“I just want to beat V. Tech.”
With Clemson preparing to host Virginia Tech on Saturday, Swinney declined to revisit his longstanding views on expansion. The proposed change would double the current playoff field beginning with the 2027 season, though an official announcement has not been made.
“I ain’t looking to be clickbait for somebody,” Swinney said. “It don’t matter what I think. It really don’t.”
Swinney said he has already shared his perspective through years of discussions and meetings. He understands the financial
incentive behind a larger postseason, but believes expansion will bring complications that may not receive much attention until teams experience them.
“There’s unintended consequences,” Swinney said. “Sometimes it just has to happen before anybody will say, well, yep, that’s what we’re dealing with.”
ESPN reveals TV announcers for Clemson football vs. Virginia Tech
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) October 20, 2026
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Those decisions offer little help with Clemson’s immediate task. The Tigers enter Saturday at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the ACC, while Virginia Tech arrives at 5-2 and 2-2.
“We’re going to have a great time playing on Saturday,” Swinney said. “That’s what we’re going to focus on, whoever it is we’re playing.”
Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: What Clemson’s Dabo Swinney said about College Football Playoff expansion
