That's the only way commissioner Jim Phillips and the conference are going to generate respect and a seat at the table in conversations with the SEC and Big Ten as further realignment speculation figures to hover over the ACC in the coming years.

Swinney, ever the eternal optimist, made that proclamation in a recent sit-down with veteran ESPN college football reporter Chris Low for a lengthy feature on the Clemson football program ahead of the 2025 season.

No. 18 Tennessee will kick off its 2025 football season on Aug. 30 in Week 1. Rankings reflect the US LBM Coaches Poll. The Vols will face Syracuse in their season opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta,