Dabo Swinney Gives Reasoning Behind Lack Of Transfer Portal Use, Update On Team Chemistry

During Saturday's airing of "College GameDay," Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney detailed his reasoning for not using the transfer portal this offseason and the status of the team's chemistry ahead of the 2024 college football season.

Swinney, who appeared mic'd up while walking on the field of Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of Clemson's clash with the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, was asked by Pat McAfee to explain his lack of portal use and how the team plans to improve following a relatively down year.

"We make our decisions year in and year out on what's best for Clemson or what's best for that roster," Swinney answered.

"And the first thing you do is ask 'who's back?' And then you go around the room, 'do we like who our starters are?' 'Do we like the guys that are developing that are ready to go, like a Wade Woodaz?' Or 'do we need to go get a guy?' And so, you know, this is a collaborative process, and every year we do what we think is best for our team, for the players on this team, and for Clemson."

Swinney continued by addressing the team's chemistry, where he spoke about how his team dealt with the adversity of finishing last season with a 9-4 record.

"So, you know, we've got great chemistry," Swinney added. "These guys, they stood up and fought back last year in a very tough situation. They had a great finish that's carried over into the offseason. It's a more experienced team. They got some scars and wounds, but those things make you better, and they're going to play their butts off, man. I mean, there ain't no doubt about it."

The 17-year head coach added that the adversity throughout the offseason has allowed his team to take a simpler approach to regaining the program's top-tier status throughout the upcoming season.

"We got a great year ahead of us, Swinney said. "It's not about the scoreboard today. It's about how you play. It's about how you play the game. It's not about who you play, where you play, when you play, what uniform you wear. It's about how you freaking play the game, and I know they're going to play their tails off today, and we got a great year ahead for this Clemson Tiger football team. Ain't no doubt about it."

The No. 14-ranked Clemson Tigers program will open their 2024 campaign on August 31, Saturday, against the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs from Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part of the Aflac Kickoff game. Kickoff for the matchup is set for noon ET and will air on ABC.

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