After their last-minute 20-16 loss to Virginia Tech, the Clemson Tigers have fallen in The New York Times' latest rankings for all 138 FBS teams.

The Athletic (subscription required for full access) puts the Tigers behind ACC foes Florida State and Boston College, as well as North Texas and Memphis -- meaning Clemson is not even considered the second-best Tigers in the country. 

Clemson fell six spots to No. 50 overall in The Athletic's rankings. The Tigers are one spot behind Memphis and one spot ahead of North Carolina.

Clemson dropped to 4-3 overall with its second loss in ACC play against Virginia Tech. With the playoffs stretching to 24 teams next season, the Tigers will have a chance to grow and develop into a postseason team once again.

But it all relies on the development of young quarterback Tait Reynolds, as well as Clemson's ability to rebuild its offensive line, reload its defensive line, and add quality play-callers on both sides of the ball.

As for the remainder of the 2026 season, Clemson can look to remain competitive within ACC play, and of course there's always the rivalry against South Carolina to look forward to.

Let's hope these final five games aren't as rough as the first seven and that the Tigers only improve in the years to come.