Kirk Herbstreit throws shade at Dabo Swinney, roasts Clemson and others

Kirk Herbstreit Throws Shade at Dabo Swinney, Roasts Clemson and Others

Kirk Herbstreit, one of college football’s most prominent analysts, has never been shy about expressing his opinions. This time, however, his comments toward Dabo Swinney and Clemson football have sparked significant attention. During a recent segment on ESPN, Herbstreit took aim at Swinney’s program, suggesting that Clemson’s dominance in the ACC was coming to an end.

Herbstreit, known for his candid analysis, was critical of Clemson’s lack of sustained success in big games and the recruiting challenges the program faces. “Clemson used to be a juggernaut, but now it looks like they’re losing their grip,” Herbstreit said, referencing the Tigers’ struggles to remain elite, especially after their national championship runs in 2016 and 2018. He pointed out that while Clemson has consistently dominated the ACC, they’ve fallen short of competing with the top teams in the country in recent years, particularly in the College Football Playoff.

Herbstreit also took a swipe at Swinney’s refusal to embrace the transfer portal, which has been a point of contention in the college football world. “You can’t sit on your hands and expect to stay on top in today’s game,” Herbstreit said. “Other programs are evolving, and Clemson, under Swinney, seems stubborn in its approach.”

The roasting didn’t stop with Clemson. Herbstreit also called out Texas A&M, Michigan State, and other struggling programs for their inability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football. He noted how these programs continue to cling to outdated methods while other schools innovate, especially in terms of roster management through the portal.

While Swinney and Clemson’s supporters may disagree, Herbstreit’s comments reflect the growing pressure on programs to stay relevant in a highly competitive environment.