Recruits Explain Why Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Stands Out in the NIL Era originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Not long ago, some around college football wondered if Dabo Swinney could keep pace with the new realities of the sport. NIL deals, the transfer portal and rapid roster movement had become the norm, and Clemson’s measured, traditional approach seemed, to some, like a thing of the past.
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One vocal critic — the now-infamous “Tyler from Spartanburg” — even called Swinney out on his own radio show, sparking a fiery response from the two-time national champion.
Dabo Swinney’s Steady Approach in a Changing Game
Despite the noise, Swinney and general manager Jordan Sorrells have doubled down on Clemson’s philosophy: adapt where needed, but never compromise core values.
“We’ve been unique, and we’re going to continue to be unique,” Sorrells said. “As long as coach Swinney is here, we’re going to value the things we’ve always valued at Clemson.”
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That approach has helped the Tigers land the No. 14 recruiting class nationally so far for 2026, along with big-time gets in recent cycles like 2025 five-star defensive lineman Amare Adams and 2026 four-star receiver Na’eem Burroughs and four-star safety Kentavion Anderson. Clemson’s “retention-first” model focuses on developing talent and building a roster for the long term.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during Clemson football 2025 practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday, August 6, 2025. © Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Recruits are buying in. Four-star offensive line commit Carter Scruggs said Clemson’s NIL philosophy is “done the right way” — avoiding paying freshmen more than proven starters while still rewarding players and keeping a strong locker room culture.
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Grant Wise, another four-star offensive line commit, praised the personal touch, calling Clemson’s process “unique” and “purposeful.”
The recruit quotes in this story were reported by Adam Gorney, a national recruiting analyst for Rivals who has covered recruiting since the early 2000s.
The Tigers way might not be for every player, but for those who value culture, development and championships, Dabo Swinney’s blueprint is still a winner — and it might just prove the critics wrong.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
