The 2018 Clemson Tigers, coached by Dabo Swinney, completed a perfect 15–0 season, winning both the ACC Championship and the national title. After posting their first undefeated regular season since 2015 and beating Pittsburgh for a fourth straight ACC crown, they dominated Notre Dame 30–3 in the Cotton Bowl before crushing Alabama 44–16 in the 2019 National Championship. This victory made them the first undefeated College Football Playoff champion and the first major program to finish 15–0 since Penn in 1897, with some analysts hailing them as one of the greatest teams ever. Offensively, true freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence took over the starting role, while sophomore running back Travis Etienne rushed for over 1,600 yards and an FBS-leading 24 touchdowns, earning ACC Player of the Year. The ferocious defense was anchored by the veteran line of Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, and Austin Bryant, all of whom were selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Entering the year ranked second in the preseason polls, the Tigers met overwhelming expectations and sealed their legacy as national champions.