Swinney and Belichick will face off in a highly anticipated ACC game on Saturday Oct. 4, when Clemson plays at UNC in Chapel Hill. The matchup could be a candidate for ESPN’s “College GameDay” program, depending on both teams’ record.

Bill Belichick was nothing but complimentary Thursday of Dabo Swinney during his time at the podium for ACC Kickoff. “Yeah, we’re all learning from Dabo,” the North Carolina coach said. Belichick, the former New England Patriots coach was asked about his relationship with the Clemson head coach.

Following four consecutive seasons without a trip to the College Football Playoff for Clemson (longest in CFP era), the Tigers downed SMU 34-31 in the 2024 ACC Championship Game to punch their ticket back to college football’s biggest stage.