Clemson Announces ACC Opponents for 2026 Football Season

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Clemson Announces ACC Opponents for 2026 Football Season

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) recently announced the schedule of conference opponents for the 2026 football season. This announcement marks an important step in the ACC’s shift towards a nine-game conference schedule. Clemson University is among five ACC teams set to maintain an eight-game conference slate in 2026.

Clemson’s 2026 Opponents

Clemson’s list of opponents for the 2026 season includes:

  • Home Games:
    • Georgia Tech
    • Miami
    • North Carolina
    • Virginia Tech
  • Away Games:
    • California
    • Duke
    • Florida State
    • Syracuse

The specific dates for these matchups will be revealed at a later date.

ACC’s Transition to a Nine-Game Schedule

The move to a nine-game conference schedule aims to enhance competitiveness among member schools. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized that this transition aligns the ACC with other Power Four conferences. Beginning in 2026, twelve teams will adopt a 9+1 scheduling model (nine ACC games plus one non-conference Power Four opponent), while five teams, including Clemson, will play an 8+2 model (eight ACC games and two Power Four non-conference games).

Key Details of the New Schedule

The following points outline the new scheduling framework:

  • Transition Year (2026): This year will serve as a bridge between the old eight-game schedule and the new nine-game format.
  • Power Four Requirement: Each team must face a minimum of 10 Power Four opponents each season.
  • 17-Team Scheduling Model: The ACC’s format ensures competitive balance by rotating opponents over multiple years.

Comprehensive coverage of the ACC’s 2026 football opponents will be available during the ACC PM show and on the ACC Network in December. Additionally, the complete schedule, including game dates, is expected to be released in January 2024.

Teams with a Nine-Game ACC Slate in 2026

The teams that will participate in the nine-game ACC schedule include:

  • California
  • Duke
  • Louisville
  • Miami
  • NC State
  • Pitt
  • SMU
  • Stanford
  • Syracuse
  • Virginia
  • Virginia Tech
  • Wake Forest

Teams with an Eight-Game ACC Schedule in 2026

The following teams will maintain an eight-game ACC schedule:

  • Boston College
  • Clemson
  • Florida State
  • Georgia Tech
  • North Carolina

As the ACC navigates these changes, fans and stakeholders can look forward to an exciting season filled with engaging matchups across the conference.