Clemson's Dabo Swinney: 'Frustrating' That CFB Could Limit Roster Size, Walk-Ons

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney isn't a fan of potential limits on roster sizes as well as the removal of walk-on players.

"This is the most united coaches have been in the history of football," Swinney said, according to ESPN's David Hale. "It's so frustrating."

Per Hale, the May 21 settlement in the House vs. NCAA case includes a limit on roster sizes that is "likely between 105 and 110" players. With schools no longer limited by the amount of scholarships they can offer, current walk-on players could be cut.

"The crazy thing is, there's not many coaches that want 105 scholarships," Swinney said, via Austin Hannon of 247Sports. "We want to keep our walk-ons. It's hard to manage that many guys. When you have that many guys on scholarship — you think you got transfers now, wait till that number gets there. It's going to be a lot. It's going to change a lot of things."

The current scholarship limit for football programs is 85 with a roster limit of 120. Despite the potential decreased roster sizes, more players will be eligible to receive scholarships.

Swinney likely isn't enthused by the idea given his personal history as a walk-on during his playing days as a wide receiver at Alabama. Following his time on the field, he started his coaching journey as a graduate assistant under legendary Crimson Tide head coach Gene Stallings.

"That doesn't happen if [Stallings] hadn't seen me," Swinney explained, per Hale. "I can't even imagine how different things would've been."

Clemson has reportedly brainstormed several potential solutions to the walk-on issue, including a possible "grandfather clause" that would allow current walk-ons to remain on their respective teams until they graduate (via Hale).

In the meantime, Swinney will look to help the Tigers improve upon their 9-4 record in 2023. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will be returning as well as wide receiver Tyler Brown.