Dabo Swinney Predicts Clemson Will Have CFB's 1st 16-0 Team After Playoff Expansion

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney believes that his team will put together an undefeated season with an expanded College Football Playoff format.

"I've had one undefeated team," Swinney said, per ESPN's Chris Low. "In 2018, we were the first 15-0 team in the history of major college football -- ever. And I think we're going to be the first 16-0 team. It's a race to do that."

The CFP expanded from four teams to 12 during the 2024 season and will contain the same amount of schools vying for a national title in 2025.

The increase of teams has lengthened the tournament and led to schools having longer seasons compared to the prior format. For example, Ohio State and Notre Dame faced off for a national championship last season and ended their respective seasons with 16 games played.

Clemson finished with a perfect 15-0 record and won a national title in 2018, its second under Swinney. The Tigers finished with a 10-4 record and earned a CFP spot during their 2024 campaign, but suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Texas.

Clemson is expected to remain in the playoff hunt during their upcoming 2025 season with returning players, including quarterback Cade Klubnik as well as wide receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and Antonio Williams.

As the Tigers attempt to emerge victorious in the ACC, Swinney is eyeing a perfect season.