Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins calls for ‘change’ at alma mater after Clemson’s blowout loss to Georgia

Clemson’s offense got off to an all too familiar start in the 2024 season. The No. 14 Tigers could only muster a field goal in their 34-3 loss to No. 1 Georgia, and Clemson legend DeAndre Hopkins has seen enough.

In the second season under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Clemson struggled to do anything against an elite Georgia defense. Quarterback Cade Klubnik completed just 18 of his 29 attempts for 142 yards and an interception, and the Tigers were outgained 447-188 in the game.

Hopkins, now a member of the Tennessee Titans, was tuned in for the marquee matchup and was discouraged by what he saw. When the score went final, Hopkins called for change on social media.

Over the last couple of years, Clemson’s offense has regressed, and head coach Dabo Swinney has received his share of criticism for the lack of production. Between the lack of points on the scoreboard and his old school transfer portal philosophy, Swinney has been pressured to change, and now one of the program’s most prominent alumni is scratching his head.

Just earlier this year, Swinney spoke with CBS Sports and defended his lack of activity in the transfer portal.

“We’ve been very consistent, even the last three years,” Swinney said. “There’s a perception, a narrative that gets drummed up that we stink, that we’re no good because we haven’t made a Final Four. We made it six years in a row. It’s hard, you know? You gotta have a little luck along the way, and we’ve had some tough breaks, but in that three-year span, we won 30 games.” 

A former All-ACC wide receiver, Hopkins knows what a good offense looks like at Clemson. Hopkins played for Swinney from 2010 to 2012, and in his final year with the program, Hopkins put up 82 catches for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns.