Miami vs Clemson head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 5, Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The Breakdown
#7 Miami 69, #23 Clemson 68 — a coin flip, with Clemson's 4.3★ receivers the sharpest edge anywhere.
When Miami (FL) has the ball: 3.7★ wideouts hold a modest edge over Clemson's 3.0★ secondary; Mensah, a 4★ third-year transfer, throws it.
When Clemson has the ball: TJ Moore's 5★ headlines a 4.3★ receiver corps against Miami's 3.0★ secondary — the game's biggest mismatch.
Swing factor: Miami's 5★ freshman Jackson Cantwell, zero college years, blocks Clemson's 5★ pair Vic Burley and Amare Adams.
X-factor: Miami must win as a 7-point road favorite in early October; Clemson's home crowd is the equalizer.