After a three-year absence, the Clemson Tigers are back in the College Football Playoff.

Clemson overcame a season full of ups and downs to win its ninth ACC Championship under head coach Dabo Swinney. This year, the ACC title comes with an automatic spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoff field, meaning the Tigers will be among 12 teams competing for a national title.

Although Clemson counts two national titles in the last decade to its rich history, it isn’t exactly your typical title contender. The three-loss Tigers are viewed by many as an unlikely ACC champion, having lost to Georgia, Louisville and South Carolina in the regular season.

As unlikely as it may be, Clemson did what had to be done when it mattered most, kicking a last-second 56-yard field goal to beat SMU and can prove itself on the game’s biggest stage . Who will the Tigers’ first test be against? Here’s what you should know about your next opponent.

LIVE: Latest updates on the release of the final College Football Playoff series

College Football Playoff Series

The 2024 College Football Playoff roster has not yet been released. This section will be updated once the final rankings are released to include Clemson.

Who will Clemson play next?

As ACC champions, Clemson has an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff. The Tigers’ three-loss record should place them near the bottom of the CFP field.

Notre Dame

The latest predictions have Clemson as the underdog going into the game against Notre Dame.

Because the Fighting Irish are independent, they have not played in a conference championship game and do not qualify for a first-round bye in the CFP. They will play in the first round. Notre Dame has an 11-1 record this year and was ranked sixth in the most recent CFP rankings.

Notre Dame failed to improve or mar its resume during championship week and will likely finish in the same place in the official field.

Other potential Clemson opponents

The Tigers will likely be seeded between 10 and 12, meaning their most likely opponents will be ranked fifth, sixth or seventh.

In addition to Notre Dame, Clemson could face Texas or Ohio State, with the two teams currently projected to finish in the 5-7 range. Barring an unforeseen jump or fall, the Tigers will travel to one of the schools listed above.

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NEWS:

When does Clemson play again?

Despite its automatic seed, Clemson will likely play in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The schedule has not yet been finalized, meaning the Tigers will play on Friday, December 20th, or in one of the three games scheduled for Saturday, December 21st.

2024 College Football Playoff schedule