Dabo Swinney’s Post-Scrimmage Press Conference: Insights from March 26, 2025

Adam Randall goes through ball carrying drills in practice. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the media on March 26, 2025, following the Tigers’ latest spring scrimmage, offering detailed insights into the team’s progress as they prepare for the upcoming season. With spring practice in full swing, Swinney highlighted standout performances, emerging talents, and his vision for the program, providing fans plenty to be excited about as the Tigers gear up for what many expect to be a breakout year under quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Tristan Smith: A Transfer Making Waves

One of the standout topics from Swinney’s press conference was the emergence of transfer wide receiver Tristan Smith, who joined Clemson in January after playing at Southeast Missouri State (SEMO), an FCS program. Listed at an imposing 6’5” and 205 pounds, Smith has consistently turned heads this spring, and Swinney expects constant progression from Smith.

“He’s flashed all spring,” Swinney remarked, emphasizing the newcomer’s immediate impact. “I really love that kid. He’s mature, serious about it. He’s the happiest guy on the team.”

Smith’s size and physicality have been key attributes, with Swinney noting his ability to use his body well and "play big." Although still adjusting to Power Five football, Swinney is optimistic about Smith's trajectory. “I think he’s going to make another big jump from now until fall camp,” Swinney said, crediting Smith’s dedication. After what Swinney described as a “tough journey” to Clemson, Smith’s maturity and gratitude have endeared him to the coaching staff and teammates, setting the stage for significant contributions in the Tigers’ loaded wide receiver room.

Tyler Brown Bounces Back

Swinney also praised wide receiver Tyler Brown, who has made a strong return after missing time due to injury last season.

“He had a day Monday, oh man, it was pretty special,” Swinney said, pointing to a particularly impressive practice. Brown’s renewed confidence and playmaking ability have been a welcome sight for a Clemson offense aiming to maximize its weapons. Brown’s resurgence adds another dimension to an already talented receiving corps, giving Klubnik yet another reliable target as the season approaches.

A Loaded Wide Receiver Room: "Dudes"

Speaking of receivers, Swinney didn’t mince words about their depth and talent.

“We got six dudes at that position. For sure, dudes,” he declared, signaling Clemson’s passing game could be formidable in 2025. Alongside Smith and Brown, returning stars Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., T.J. Moore, and Cole Turner provide a wealth of options for Klubnik. This depth is critical as expectations mount for Clemson’s offense after a strong 2024 season that saw a return to the College Football Playoff. With Klubnik entering his fourth year, third as a full time starter, and having thrown for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns last year, Swinney believes this receiver group could define the Tigers' season.

Running Back Room: Randall and Davidson Shine

The running back position has been intriguing this spring, particularly Adam Randall’s transition from wide receiver. Initially experimented with during Clemson’s playoff loss to Texas in December 2024, Randall’s move has exceeded expectations.

“It has gone better than we hoped,” Swinney said, praising Randall’s adaptability and impact. Swinney noted that playing running back is natural for Randall, who played quarterback and running back prior to college. “He wanted to be Julio (Jones),” Swinney joked. “The only thing has been getting the natural feeling of ball handling back, but he’s been great in the transition.”

Joining Randall in the backfield is true freshman Gideon Davidson, generating buzz since arriving on campus. Swinney echoed sentiments from offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, calling Davidson “steady” and “physically impressive.” Davidson, who arrived from Liberty Christian Academy in Virginia, has got in a ton of work this spring. Davidson’s explosiveness and mature build have fans eagerly anticipating his debut. “He doesn’t look like a high school kid,” Swinney remarked.

Youth Getting Experience

Swinney highlighted the importance of younger players gaining experience.

“We got guys getting reps that you don’t even know who they are,” Swinney said. Brayden Jacobs, Easton Ware, Mason Wade, and Ronan O’Connell are among those Swinney has been “forcing the issue” with this spring. Due to injuries among experienced players, these freshmen are gaining valuable reps against talent like TJ Parker and Peter Woods, which will significantly benefit the team in the fall.

Spring Game: No Live TV Broadcast

The annual spring game will take place Saturday, April 5, at 1:00 PM EDT, but will not be televised.

“They wanted to do their own in-house thing,” Swinney explained. He emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with concerns about tampering. “People will tamper no matter what,” Swinney stated. “Not playing or not televising a spring game won’t change that.” Instead, Clemson aims to maximize the game-day atmosphere, particularly for younger players experiencing Death Valley for the first time. Swinney quipped, “If we had two preseason games, you think we could get 50,000-plus people to show up?”

Dabo's Case for Preseason Games

Swinney again advocated for preseason games in college football, a topic he's championed before.

“College football is the only level of football", he emphasized, that doesn’t have practices, scrimmages, or games against an opposing team. “Actually, college football is the only SPORT, that doesn’t have some type of practices or scrimmages against an opposing team”, he added. With coaches increasingly voicing frustration over the lack of preseason reps, Swinney’s stance reflects a growing call for the NCAA to adapt. With his years of calling this system out, and the recent comments made by others, maybe the NCAA will start to look into this as a possibility in the future.

Looking Ahead

As Clemson progresses through spring practices, Swinney’s updates highlighted a team brimming with potential. From Tristan Smith’s rapid rise and Tyler Brown’s comeback to Adam Randall’s seamless transition and Gideon Davidson’s early promise, momentum is building. With depth at wide receiver and Klubnik poised for a standout year, Clemson appears well-positioned to meet high expectations in 2025. Also with the amount of young guys getting a ton of work on the offensive line this spring, the depth there will be well welcomed this season. Fans won’t have to wait long, as the spring game approaches, a key step toward what could be a memorable season in Tigertown. Come out and enjoy April 5th, it's a free opportunity to enjoy a couple of hours in Death Valley to see the Tigers.