ESPN’s Josh Pate Questions Clemson’s Future Under Dabo Swinney

The Clemson Tigers' 2025 season came to an underwhelming close Saturday in New York, as they fell 22-10 to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl, snapping a 14-year postseason winning streak.

The loss also sealed a 7-6 finish for the Tigers, Clemson's worst record since 2010 and a sharp decline from a program that appeared in the College Football Playoff just one season ago.

Following the defeat in Yankee Stadium, Swinney addressed the season and his broader philosophy, emphasizing that his priorities extend beyond wins and losses.

The veteran coach spoke passionately about his commitment to developing players as men, not just athletes, a message that has been clear-cut in his tenure at Clemson.

"That's my calling in life, that's my purpose," he said. I know everybody wants me to win football games, but it's more about how I win. That's what matters to me more than anything. Always has. It's never been anything different, never will be. Glorify God. Be a great husband and father, and to use this platform of football and education to build great men through this game that we love."

Swinney also made sure to point out the program's sustained success under his leadership, noting that Clemson has remained "purpose-driven" through championships and setbacks alike. "We've won a lot more than we've lost, and we'll continue to win a lot more than we've lost," he added.

This past Sunday, ESPN's Josh Pate responded to Swinney's comments on his show, offering a measured yet pointed critique. Pate was careful to acknowledge the authenticity of Swinney's beliefs.

"That's very authentic. That's [Dabo's] worldview, for college football and life," Pate began. "There's nothing about that that's inauthentic."

However, Pate questioned whether those values, while genuine, fully address the realities of modern college football and the crossroads at which Clemson finds itself.

"You don't get paid 11 million dollars to graduate kids," Pate continued, observing that while graduation rates are honorable, they aren't what contracts are centered around. "You guys never hang banners in the stadium for graduation rates… But, I know 100% that you have [incentives] for winning a certain amount of games and winning championships."

Pate's broader concern focused on adaptability — a theme he has returned to when discussing Swinney and Clemson since late September of this year.

He suggested that while Swinney's principles are admirable and he agrees with them, the rapidly changing college football landscape, now driven by NIL and the transfer portal, demands flexibility alongside a culture and winning program.

"The difference is that there are other people who can [lead with values], but are also able to adapt," Pate said. "That's another critical value… especially one as ultra competitive as college football."

The debate isn't about whether Dabo Swinney's philosophy is right or wrong; it's about whether Clemson can continue to compete at the highest level without adjusting how those principles are implemented.

Swinney and Tigers defensive coordinator Tom Allen have both acknowledged that need this offseason, signaling a greater willingness to utilize the transfer portal as roster turnover accelerates.

Clemson has already seen five players enter the portal — four on the defensive side of the ball — while a significant portion of the roster faces transition due to expiring eligibility and departures to the 2026 NFL Draft. With multiple starters needing to be replaced, the Tigers enter a pivotal offseason where adaptability will be tested not just in theory, but in practice.