Clemson, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Clemson will host SMU at Memorial Stadium for a regular-season rematch on October 18, 2025. This matchup, a rematch of the previous year’s ACC Championship Game, will mark SMU’s first regular-season visit to Death Valley. Both teams are currently unranked, with Clemson looking to improve its record against SMU to 2-0. Gametime is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, and fans can expect ticket prices starting at $37 along with various stadium policies for a smooth game day experience.
Clemson — Tigers to host Mustangs in October rematch at Memorial Stadium
Clemson will host SMU at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with a kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on the ACC Network. The contest is a regular-season rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game and will take place in Death Valley, marking SMU’s first regular-season visit to the stadium.
Key game details and immediate context
This game marks SMU’s first visit to Death Valley for a regular-season matchup. The matchup serves as a rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game, where Clemson won 34-31 with a walk-off 56-yard field goal. In that title game, Clemson held a 24-7 lead at halftime before SMU rallied to tie the score at 31-31 prior to the final play.
Both teams enter the game unranked. Both teams are currently unranked in the coaches’ and AP polls leading into this matchup. Clemson seeks to improve its all-time record against SMU to 2-0 in what will be the teams’ first on-campus meeting.
Season form and conference implications
Clemson arrives following a 41-10 win over Boston College and a prior victory against North Carolina. SMU is 2-0 in ACC play and has not lost to any other ACC opponents since joining the conference, holding a streak of 10 consecutive wins against ACC teams. Clemson hopes to hand SMU its first ACC loss during this conference season.
Historically, Clemson has appeared in 10 ACC Championship Games and holds a 9-1 record in those contests. When facing a rematch of the previous year’s ACC Championship Game, Clemson’s record is 4-1. Previous Clemson rematches included opponents Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Logistics for fans
Ticket prices for the game begin at $37. The cheapest tickets for the game are available for $37, with other pricing options listed on ticket sales platforms. Fans can follow game coverage via the ClemsonTigers App and local radio broadcasts. Fans attending the game can utilize the ClemsonTigers App and local radio stations for game coverage.
Stadium operations will include regulated alcohol service. Alcohol sales will be strictly regulated at the stadium, with ID checks and a limit of two drinks per transaction. Sales will end after the third quarter. The event also promotes responsible travel: The designated driver program is being promoted by Clemson Athletics and Aramark in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, offering a free non-alcoholic drink for designated drivers.
The venue is noted for accommodating fans with sensory sensitivities. Clemson Athletics is recognized as a sensory-friendly venue by Kulture City, providing sensory tools and accommodations for fans with sensory sensitivities.
Significance and background
The game is scheduled on the anniversary of a notable coaching milestone for Clemson. This game is significant as it falls on the anniversary of Dabo Swinney’s first game as Clemson’s head coach, which was a loss to Georgia Tech on October 18, 2008. That historical note adds narrative weight to the rematch but does not change the immediate competitive stakes for either team.
Clemson’s pursuit of a first regular-season win over SMU and the Tigers’ historical success in ACC title rematches form the competitive backdrop. For SMU, the visit to Clemson represents both a geographic first for a regular-season game at Memorial Stadium and a chance to extend its winning streak against ACC opponents.
Broadcast and practical notes
The ACC Network will carry the game beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans should plan arrival and parking using Clemson Athletics guidance and may use the ClemsonTigers App for updates, mobile tickets, and stadium information. Stadium policies, including the regulated alcohol service and designated driver program, will be enforced throughout the event.
FAQ
When and where is the game?
Clemson will host SMU at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with a kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.
Is this SMU’s first game at Death Valley?
This game marks SMU’s first visit to Death Valley for a regular-season matchup.
Why is this game a rematch?
The matchup serves as a rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game, where Clemson won 34-31 with a walk-off 56-yard field goal.
Are either team ranked?
Both teams are currently unranked in the coaches’ and AP polls leading into this matchup.
Will there be ticket options and how much do they start at?
The cheapest tickets for the game are available for $37, with other pricing options listed on ticket sales platforms.
How can fans follow the game?
Fans attending the game can utilize the ClemsonTigers App and local radio stations for game coverage.
Will there be alcohol restrictions?
Alcohol sales will be strictly regulated at the stadium, with ID checks and a limit of two drinks per transaction.
When do alcohol sales end?
Sales will end after the third quarter.
Is there a designated driver program?
The designated driver program is being promoted by Clemson Athletics and Aramark in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, offering a free non-alcoholic drink for designated drivers.
Is the stadium sensory-friendly?
Clemson Athletics is recognized as a sensory-friendly venue by Kulture City, providing sensory tools and accommodations for fans with sensory sensitivities.
Why is the date significant to Clemson history?
This game is significant as it falls on the anniversary of Dabo Swinney’s first game as Clemson’s head coach, which was a loss to Georgia Tech on October 18, 2008.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Clemson vs. SMU (regular-season rematch) |
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Memorial Stadium, Clemson |
| Broadcast | ACC Network |
| Historical note | Rematch of the 2024 ACC Championship Game (Clemson won 34-31 with a walk-off 56-yard field goal) |
| Ticket starting price | $37 |
| Fan apps and audio | ClemsonTigers App and local radio stations |
| Alcohol policy | ID checks, limit of two drinks per transaction; sales end after the third quarter |
| Designated driver program | Free non-alcoholic drink for designated drivers promoted by Clemson Athletics and Aramark in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety |
| Sensory accommodations | Recognized as a sensory-friendly venue by Kulture City |
| Team rankings | Both teams are currently unranked in the coaches’ and AP polls leading into this matchup |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Clemson Tigers Official Site
- Clemson Wire: Betting Odds
- Greenville Online: Ticket Info
- NY Times: How to Watch
- Rubbing the Rock: Odds Info
- Wikipedia: Clemson Tigers Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google Search: Clemson SMU football 2025
- Google News: Clemson football
- Google Scholar: Clemson football statistics
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