.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney is making headlines days before opening the season at LSU. This time around none of the talk was focused on his time or trying to stay off the hot seat.
Lane Kiffin took over in Baton Rouge with a lot of attention to the roster rebuild. However, nobody could've predicted NFL players returning to college to play for the polarizing coach. Swinney went in on Kiffin and prepared to take on former pros this weekend. He fully expects this will be normalized across the board, despite a ban by all the major conferences. Needless to say, Swinney isn't a fan in the slightest.
“It’s kind of embarrassing,” Swinney told reporters Tuesday. “Honestly, it’s embarrassing that’s where we are. I don’t blame the kids, but people trying to take advantage of the system. It’s embarrassing, but we’ve been there for a while.”
Dabo Swinney with a not-so-subtle message ahead of Clemson’s Week 1 matchup vs. LSU 👀 pic.twitter.com/xZJFUPp4m8
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 1, 2026The issue has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the 2026 college football season. Several court rulings have thrown a wrench into depth charts with players trying to return after some have played in the NFL preseason.
“No pun intended, but we’re just going to stay in our lane,” Swinney added.
Kiffin has a much different opinion on the matter and recently said his players welcome NFL bounce backs. How he has handled this situation with his own rules surrounding athletes with professional experience speaks volumes about wanting to bend to rules to compete.
The SEC intends to punish teams who disregard the rules. But is this a hill Kiffin is willing to die on? If not, why force the issue? He could face a suspension and the school could be dealt significant fines for keeping NFL players on the roster.
Swinney is far from being alone here. Others to speak up have included Texas' Steve Sarkisian, who wants the situation corrected sooner rather than later.
Clemson prepares for its major LSU opener in the bayou on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
More College Football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Arch Manning's cousin is the talk of college football after incredible workout tape surfaces
- USC football printable 2026 schedule with dates, times and TV lineup
- ESPN analyst says 'pump the brakes' on Texas' Arch Manning being the best QB
- Shedeur Sanders is all over social media after Colorado GPA surfaces
English (US)