1930s Spring Games | The Last Word

Head Coach Dabo Swinney has publicly expressed support for the NCAA allowing teams to play an exhibition game during the spring season, ideally against a non-conference opponent not featured on the fall schedule.

This idea has been mentioned in the Duke football gameday program and has also been proposed by many other coaches, who see potential in hosting spring games as charity fundraisers, much like Division I basketball teams have done with preseason matchups.

"I know Swinney would be in favor of a Clemson vs. Furman Spring Game in Death Valley that raises money for breast cancer awareness, one of the main benefactors of Dabo’s All In Team Foundation."

Such an event could easily bring in $1 million in a single day for causes Swinney and his wife, Kathleen, strongly support through their foundation.

Historical Precedent

Interestingly, this concept has roots in Clemson and Duke history. Both schools held spring matchups in March of 1937, 1938, and 1939, an initiative organized by Duke Head Coach Wallace Wade and Clemson Head Coach Jess Neely.

These contests were notable, as both teams were led by Hall of Fame coaches and included several All-America players. While they competed under the Southern Conference banner, Clemson and Duke did not face each other during the regular seasons of those years.

Modern Implications

The revival of spring exhibitions could offer valuable programming for the ACC Network, providing fresh content in the quieter months of March through May and reigniting a historic tradition between conference schools.

Author’s Summary: Dabo Swinney’s idea for a charity-focused spring exhibition game echoes a 1930s Clemson-Duke tradition, blending history, competition, and philanthropy into one potential showcase.

Clemson University Athletics — 2025-11-02