Clemson Will Face California in Berkeley September 25

The Golden Bears host the Tigers in an ACC matchup scheduled for a late-night kickoff on ESPN.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration showing two football players in mid-action, with orange and blue team colors clashing under bright stadium lights. — Clemson and California are scheduled to face off in an ACC football game in Berkeley on September 25, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Clemson will travel to Berkeley on September 25, 2026, to face California in an ACC clash. Both football teams enter the contest with identical 2-1 overall and 1-0 conference records.

Why it matters

The matchup represents a pivotal early-season opportunity for both programs to maintain their unblemished conference standing. Victory will keep the winner firmly positioned in the nascent ACC title race.

Clemson and California both hold 2-1 overall records and 1-0 marks in ACC play. The game is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Bastian Swinney

He is a redshirt senior serving as the starting center for the California Golden Bears.

Dabo Swinney

He is the head coach of the Clemson University football team.

Meyer Swinney

He is a redshirt freshman wide receiver currently playing for California.

The details

California starting center Bastian Swinney, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound redshirt senior from Edina, Minnesota, anchors the offensive line for the Golden Bears. Swinney, who is not related to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, has appeared in 41 career games with 19 starts.

September 25, 2026, marks the scheduled kickoff for Clemson versus California.

Football
Sept. 24
California Coaches Hosted Recruits in Berkeley
Football
Sept. 19
California Defeated Wagner 49-7 in Berkeley
Football
Sept. 24
Databricks Signed Sponsorship Deal With Cal Athletics

Season Trajectory

This game follows the structural shifts of the Atlantic Coast Conference expansion. The contest tests the travel logistics and competitive integration of California within the expanded league format.

California fans should monitor the interior offensive line performance as Bastian Swinney brings 19 career starts to the matchup. Kickoff occurs at 10:30 p.m. ET, affecting late-night viewing schedules for those following the ACC standings.

The takeaway

The game provides a critical test for the Golden Bears as they navigate their inaugural season in the ACC. Consistent line play will be essential for California to secure a victory against a conference rival.