This "too early" ranking is interesting because what the ranker sees is what so many Clemson faithful see, a continuing decline. There was a very long article in "The Athletic" a couple of days ago about recruiting, and it went through the major programs and how they had done in the current cycle. Clemson was mentioned in a single paragraph toward the end of the article, and the writer was very direct. He did not mention any of our 2023 recruits by name, said Clemson was not keeping up with the elite programs, that the key is to be at or near the top every year (as are Georgia, Ohio State, and of course Alabama), and that Clemson is no longer on that level.

I have written repeatedly that Clemson appears to be returning to the pack in the ACC. This article on the "too early top 25" is essentially saying the same thing. That does not mean Clemson will become ordinary, but there is a gap between good and elite, and Clemson is now firmly residing in the "good" camp. Coach Swinney used to talk about Alabama and the ROY (rest of y'all) bus. During those years, he was really talking about Alabama and its elite pretenders-competitors, Clemson included. Clemson is no longer seated anywhere on that bus, now reduced to wannabe along with many others seeking elite status, somewhere down the highway, almost out of view and unable to keep up.

I disagree with that. I don't see anyone the caliber of Mike Williams, Deion Cain, Hunter Renfro, or Artavis Scott currently on the team. I disagree that it is all coaching.

I disagree with that. I don't see anyone the caliber of Mike Williams, Deion Cain, Hunter Renfro, or Artavis Scott currently on the team. I disagree that it is all coaching.