The Clemson Tigers have been among the most dominant teams in recent college football history. They have been a stabilizing force in the College Football Playoff and aim to replicate their success in 2024.
Clemson Playoff Appearances and Results by Year
- 2015
Orange Bowl – Win vs. Oklahoma, 37-17
National Championship – Loss vs. Alabama, 45-40 - 2016
Fiesta Bowl – Win vs. Ohio State, 31-0
National Championship – Win vs. Alabama, 35-31 - 2017
Sugar Bowl – Loss vs. Alabama, 24-6 - 2018
Cotton Bowl – Win vs. Notre Dame, 30-3
National Championship – Win vs. Alabama, 44-16 - 2019
Fiesta Bowl – Win vs. Ohio State, 29-23
National Championship – Loss vs. LSU, 42-25 - 2020
Sugar Bowl – Loss vs. Ohio State, 49-28
Dabo Swinney has built a college football powerhouse at Clemson, with the Tigers consistently appearing in the College Football Playoff. Since 2011, he has led the team to nine conference championships and has returned to the CFP after a brief absence.
FOLLOW ALONG: Track Every Transfer Portal Entrant in our CFN Transfer Portal Tracker now!
The last time Clemson participated in this premier postseason event was in 2020 when the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Tigers 28-4 in the Sugar Bowl.
Throughout the 2010s, Clemson’s rivalry with the Alabama Crimson Tide had the CFP landscape in a chokehold. From 2015 to 2018, the two teams competed against each other for four consecutive years, including three title games.
Clemson Playoff History FAQ
What’s Clemson’s Playoff Win/Loss Record?
Clemson has a 6-4 record in College Football Playoff Games. The Tigers had a historic run between 2015 and 2020, and in 2024, they returned to the CFP after defeating SMU in the ACC Championship Game.
How Many Times Has Clemson Been to the College Football Playoff?
Clemson has participated in the College Football Playoff seven times, the second-most of any program. The Tigers have also been dominant in the postseason, making six consecutive appearances from 2015 to 2020 and reaching four championship games within five years from 2015 to 2019.
How Many National Championship Appearances Does Clemson Have?
Clemson has participated in four National Championships during the CFP era, holding a record of 2-2 in these title games. Three of their appearances were against Alabama, with both teams significantly influencing the college football landscape throughout the 2010s.
The fourth appearance was against the LSU Tigers, who defeated Clemson 42-25 during a historic season led by quarterback Joe Burrow.
How Many National Championships Has Clemson Won?
The Tigers have won three national championships in program history, two of which came in the CFP era. Under Swinney, Clemson defeated the Crimson Tide in 2016 and 2018. Meanwhile, in 1981, they won the Orange Bowl 22-15 over the Nebraska Cornhuskers to stay undefeated and were named title winners.
When Was the Last Time Clemson Made the National Championship Game?
Clemson last played in the College Football National Championship game in 2018, defeating Nick Saban’s Alabama 44-16. Trevor Lawrence was named MVP. The Tigers dominated the game, leading 31-16 at the half, and restricted the Crimson Tide to no second-half points.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.