Clemson’s head coach faces an unexpected dilemma just weeks before the opener.
Dabo Swinney Considering Unusual Approach to Key LSU Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With Clemson’s season opener against LSU just two weeks away, Dabo Swinney’s biggest preseason question mark isn’t about quarterback play, the rebuilt offensive line, or the depth on defense. It’s about who will be punting the football.
The Tigers haven’t named a clear replacement for Aidan Swanson who struggles at times last year, and Swinney is sticking with an unusual approach — trusting his own evaluation, not the transfer portal. When asked about the decision in mid-July, he doubled down on his loyalty to his current roster, saying if things go wrong, the blame falls squarely on him.
Right now, three players are in the mix: redshirt junior Jack Smith, walk-on Will McCune, and kicker Robert Gunn III, who is also working as a punter. Each has shown flashes — and each has had moments they’d like to forget.
After Clemson’s first scrimmage, Swinney’s comments hinted at both optimism and uncertainty. He essentially has three legitimate contenders for the punting job — and he’s not yet convinced any have separated themselves.
While each can boom a kick that flips the field, they’re just as capable of mishitting one that goes nowhere. As Swinney put it, the challenge is simple: “I need them to be consistently good, not occasionally great.” It’s a reminder that in his eyes, the talent is there, but the consistency still isn’t.
Swinney describes the competition as tight enough that he half-jokes about needing divine intervention to make the final call. “They can all boom it 60 yards,” he’s said, “but sometimes it’s 20.”
If Clemson’s offense and defense click early, the Tigers might not need a punter to win field position battles. But if this becomes a game of inches against LSU, the decision could prove crucial. For now, Swinney is letting the competition run right up to kickoff — and maybe even into the season itself.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
