Dabo Swinney predicts College Football Playoff system will ‘blow up’ soon

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney believes major changes are coming soon to the College Football Playoff system. The field just expanded from four teams to 12 for the first time in 2024, but discussions have already ramped up about adding even more teams.

Swinney was asked his thoughts on the matter during a press conference this past week and explained that he isn’t too concerned whether the field expands or not. But if he had to guess, he wouldn’t count on the current format being in place for too long.

“I could care less,” the coach said bluntly. “I just stand at the Clemson podium. That’s where I stand. I’m just focused on the Tigers. I know everybody wants some kind of clickbait comment. I could care less. I mean, seriously. I really don’t mean that disrespectfully to anybody. …I’ve said many times, it’s a waste of my time anyway, because it’s all gonna blow up in a few years anyway. That’s my predicition. We’ll see. But who knows where this thing’s going or what people want.”

Regardless of what the format has been over the years, Clemson has had a tendency to find its way into the playoff under Dabo Swinney. Even when many counted the Tigers out this past season, they won the ACC Championship against SMU to claim an automatic berth to the first ever 12-team CFP.

Prior to that, Clemson had made the College Football Playoff six times when it was only a four-team field and won two national championships in four title game appearances. Swinney touted that fact, saying that no matter what the field size is, his focus remains on finding a way to get his team in.

“As I’ve said many times, when there was a BCS, we made it,” the coach said. “We got to the BCS down in the Orange Bowl and got in the mix of that and played Ohio State. When it was the Final Four, we got there six times. Four final twos. An when it went to 12, somehow, someway, with a 56-yarder, we made it. We got there. So if it goes to 14 or it goes to 16 or 24 or if there’s a new number, I don’t know. I have no idea.

“I just know this: At Clemson, we’re gonna always have a chance to be in whatever tournament people want to create. Because we’ve got a great program and we have great resources. Great support, great kids. There’s really nothing you can’t do here. Whatever era there’s been, we’ve been a part of it in some form or fashion. So whatever’s to come, we’ll keep doing our part to make sure we can be the best Clemson that we can be.”