The Clemson Tigers represent one of the most historic programs in college sports. Known for success across multiple disciplines, Clemson Tigers football has claimed national titles, while Clemson Tigers basketball continues to grow its competitive edge. Every Clemson Tigers team reflects the university’s tradition of excellence, drawing passionate fans and shaping NCAA athletics for decades.
College Sports Established
1896
Location
Clemson, South Carolina
College Name
Clemson University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1953 – Present / ACC Conference
1921 - 1953 / Southern Conference
1896 – 1921 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Tigers - The Clemson Tigers are among the country's most recognizable college sports teams. But where did their nickname come from? The answer may surprise you!
Clemson Tigers Origin
The story began in 1896 when Walter Merritt Riggs became head coach and athletic director of what was then known as Clemson Agricultural College (now Clemson University). He wanted to give his team a more intimidating name than “the Farmers” or “the Plowboys,” which had been used by some previous teams. So he chose "Tigers," after Princeton's football team, who were called "Tigers" then. He thought it would be an appropriate mascot for a school near forests full of wild cats like bobcats, cougars, and panthers.
Riggs also drew inspiration from another source: General Thomas Green, who served as an officer during the Civil War under Confederate President Jefferson Davis and later founded Fort Hill Plantation on nearby property owned by John C Calhoun (Calhoun is now part of Clemson University). Green earned himself the nickname 'Old Tiger' due to his ferocity in battle, thus inspiring Riggs always to make tigers part of his new school's identity!
Today, students at Clemson proudly wear orange tiger paw prints all over campus - something that has become synonymous with success both on and off the field for this storied university program. Whether they're competing against rivals like South Carolina or making waves nationally with championship titles such as 2016 National Champions - one thing is sure: The spirit behind those tiger paws will never die out!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 3
2018, 2016, 1981
Soccer 2
1987, 1984
- 1987
- 1992
- 2016
- 2018
- 2020
- 2021
-
Clemson Soccer 1987 Champions
After failing to make the NCAA tournament in 1986, the Tigers earned their 2nd National Championship during the 1987 season. The Tigers finished the 1987 regular season 13–5–1 but had struggled during conference play. Reportedly, the Tigers were the 23rd team selected for the 24-team NCAA tournament. The Tigers, however, won three straight road games, which included an upset of ... -
women’s soccer team plays its first season
In 1992: The Clemson women’s soccer team plays its first season and reaches the NCAA Final Four in 2000. -
The Clemson football team wins its second national championship
In 2016: The Clemson football team wins its second national championship with a 14-1 record and a victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. -
Football Champs Clemson Tigers 2018
Swinney capped off a historical season in 2018 as the Tigers finished 15–0, marking the first time a college team had done so since 1897. Clemson defeated #1 ranked Alabama 44–16 in the CFP National Championship. The Tigers recorded the most wins in a single season for Clemson. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns in ... -
The Clemson men’s soccer team wins ACC championship
In 2020: The Clemson men’s soccer team wins its third national championship and repeats in 2020. The Clemson football team wins its sixth consecutive ACC championship and reaches the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl, but loses to Ohio State. -
Clemson football team wins its seventh consecutive ACC championship
In 2021: The Clemson women’s basketball team hires former WNBA player and coach Nikki McCray-Penson as its new head coach. The Clemson football team wins its seventh consecutive ACC championship and reaches the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, but loses to Georgia.
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Clemson Tigers History
The Clemson Tigers are one of the NCAA’s most successful programs, with a proud tradition spanning more than a century. Competing at the highest level, the Clemson Tigers football program has become a powerhouse in college sports. From their first national championship in 1981 to capturing three consecutive ACC titles from 2018–2020, the Clemson Tigers team has firmly established itself as a dominant force. Their rivalry with the Florida State Seminoles remains one of the most anticipated matchups in the ACC.
The success of the Clemson Tigers football program stems from its commitment to excellence on and off the field. The school recruits student-athletes of high character who excel academically and athletically, reflecting the values of Clemson University. With an experienced coaching staff, the Clemson Tigers team has developed winning strategies season after season, making it a model for sustained success in college athletics.
While football dominates headlines, the Clemson Tigers basketball program has also built a strong legacy within the ACC. The Tigers have earned multiple NCAA Tournament berths, produced standout players, and recorded memorable upsets against top-ranked teams. This growth highlights Clemson’s dedication to success across all sports and strengthens its standing among elite college programs.
Beyond championships, the Clemson Tigers team is supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in the nation. “The orange and white” faithful pack Memorial Stadium for football and Littlejohn Coliseum for Clemson Tigers basketball, creating an electric atmosphere that fuels the players’ performances.
Tigers Achievements
Over the decades, the Clemson Tigers football program has earned three recognized national championships (1981, 2016, 2018), more than 20 conference titles, and dozens of bowl victories. The team has produced Heisman finalists, NFL stars, and Hall of Fame coaches who continue to shape the sport today.
The Clemson Tigers basketball program adds to this proud history with NCAA Tournament appearances, ACC tournament runs, and a growing list of professional alumni. Together, every Clemson Tigers team represents the school’s tradition of excellence, ensuring the Tigers remain a defining force in college athletics for generations to come.
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