It's always good to look ahead and Clemson football has done just that by locking up future non-conference opponents until 2020. On Thursday Clemson announced future games against Troy (2016), Kent State (2017), Georgia Southern (2018), Charlotte (2019), and Akron (2020) to solidify the future schedules for the Tigers. None of those games would satisfy the ACC's requirement to play against a power five school outside of the conference, but that game isn't a problem as the Tigers have their annual Palmetto State showdown with the SEC's South Carolina. Clemson also has upcoming games against Auburn and Texas A&M, not to mention Notre Dame is on the ACC scheduling rotation for Clemson in 2020.
In addition to the non-conference games announced, Clemson will also continue to schedule one in-state opponent from the FCS level through 2020. South Carolina State (2016), The Citadel (2017), Furman (2018) and Wofford (2019) all make an appearance on the upcoming schedules for Clemson. Of course, this is a little about giving back to the state as Clemson will pay those schools a pretty penny to come take a loss on the chin, which would help with the schools' athletic departments and facilities on their respective campuses.
"Our fans place a big value on making sure we have seven home games in Death Valley each fall, and the great work of Kyle Young and Coach [Dabo Swinney] have solidified that for the next five years," Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. "Also, with our leadership position within the state of South Carolina, it's important for us to welcome the FCS schools and continue to support those programs by playing one annually."
