As the 2025 college football season draws nearer, one of the most intriguing teams to watch will undoubtedly be Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers. ESPN has labeled Clemson as one of the most interesting teams heading into the 2025 campaign, and for good reason. The program is at a pivotal point in its history, transitioning from a period of dominance in the ACC and national title contention to a new chapter where questions remain, but the potential for greatness still looms large.

Clemson has long been one of the powerhouses in college football, with multiple national championships, ACC titles, and a consistently high level of talent. However, the 2024 season saw some bumps in the road for Swinney’s squad, as they failed to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in several years. With a mixture of young talent, key returning players, and a coaching staff committed to continued success, Clemson is in a position to return to elite status—or find itself in a new era entirely.

A Transition in the Quarterback Room

The quarterback position is often the most scrutinized on any football team, and for Clemson, the 2025 season will be no different. Last season, DJ Uiagalelei, once considered a generational talent, struggled with consistency and ultimately transferred to Oregon State, leaving a significant gap for the Tigers. His departure has opened the door for young quarterbacks to rise to the occasion, with Cade Klubnik, the highly-touted freshman, becoming the heir apparent.

Klubnik’s arrival in Clemson was met with sky-high expectations, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, he also demonstrated some growing pains in his first season as the starting quarterback. The 2024 season was a mixed bag for the Tigers, but Klubnik is now entering a critical second year where he has had time to adjust to the speed of college football and develop his leadership skills. A full year under his belt, along with an offseason to continue working with Swinney and offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter, could be exactly what Clemson needs to unlock its full potential once again.

The 2025 season will serve as a true test of whether Klubnik can live up to the expectations placed on him when he arrived in Clemson. While the pressure will undoubtedly be high, there’s little doubt that the Tigers have the pieces in place to be successful if he can take the next step. Clemson’s offense has the potential to be explosive, but it will largely depend on the growth of its young quarterback. A strong performance from Klubnik could be the key that propels Clemson back into the playoff conversation.

The Offensive Line and Skill Positions

In recent years, Clemson has not only been known for its defense but also for its potent offense. While the program has lost several key offensive weapons, including wide receivers and running backs, the talent pipeline is far from empty. However, a successful offense starts up front, and this is an area where the Tigers must continue to improve in order to support their young quarterback and give him the best chance to succeed.

Clemson’s offensive line struggled at times in 2024, failing to provide the consistent protection necessary for their quarterbacks and running backs. With the departure of some key linemen, the Tigers have a mix of returning players and young talent that will need to gel quickly in order to improve. The challenge for Swinney’s staff will be to develop these linemen into a cohesive unit that can protect Klubnik, open running lanes, and give the offense a solid foundation.

In the skill positions, Clemson has the talent to rebound. While the departure of standout wide receivers like Joseph Ngata and E.J. Williams leaves gaps, there is a wealth of young talent waiting to make a name for themselves. Wide receiver Beaux Collins, who was impressive at times during the 2024 season, will be a key player to watch in 2025. Additionally, the running back position remains one of Clemson’s strengths, with Will Shipley, one of the ACC’s top running backs, returning to lead the backfield. Shipley’s combination of speed, vision, and power gives Clemson an elite option in the running game, and his presence will be crucial in taking pressure off Klubnik and the passing attack.

Defense: Reloading for Another Title Run

Clemson’s defense has long been one of the cornerstones of their success. Over the years, the Tigers have consistently fielded one of the most dominant defensive units in the country, and 2025 will be no exception. Although Clemson loses some key players to the NFL, there is a wealth of talent on the defensive side of the ball that could make this year’s defense just as formidable.

Brent Venables, the former defensive coordinator who was instrumental in shaping the Tigers’ elite defense over the years, left for the head coaching job at Oklahoma. However, Clemson has continued to recruit top-tier defensive talent, and new defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin will look to continue the tradition of excellence. The defensive line is once again expected to be one of the best in the country, with Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy potentially leading the charge. However, the Tigers have depth and talent along the line, with younger players like XT Thomas and Tré Williams poised to contribute in a big way.

The linebacker corps is also a point of strength, with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter emerging as leaders. These two have the ability to be game-changers, both in run defense and pass coverage. With Trotter and Carter leading the way, the linebacker group should be one of the best in college football.

Clemson’s secondary will have to replace some experienced players, but there is no shortage of talent in the defensive backfield. Players like Sheridan Jones and R.J. Mickens have the potential to step into starting roles and lock down receivers in the passing game. The Tigers’ defense will need to be just as dominant as ever in order to keep them competitive against some of the toughest offenses in college football.

Special Teams: Critical for Clemson’s Success

Special teams often go unnoticed in the grand scheme of things, but they can make a major difference in close games. Clemson has historically had solid special teams play, and with a team that has championship aspirations, every aspect of the game must be firing on all cylinders. The Tigers will need to continue to improve their kicking game and their coverage units as they face off against some of the toughest competition in the ACC and beyond.

The Big Picture: National Championship Hopes

Clemson has been a staple in the College Football Playoff over the past decade, but the team faces several hurdles as they attempt to return to that level of competition. With a new starting quarterback, some turnover in the skill positions, and the loss of key defensive players, Clemson has some significant questions to answer. However, with Dabo Swinney at the helm, the Tigers are always capable of putting together a playoff-caliber team. The program’s recruiting pipeline remains one of the best in the country, and the staff is adept at developing young players into stars.

While Clemson may not be the preseason favorite to win the national title in 2025, they remain one of the most intriguing teams in college football. With an emerging quarterback, elite skill players, and a defense that is sure to remain strong, the Tigers have all the pieces to make a deep run. Whether they can pull it all together remains to be seen, but they are certainly a team that will have the eyes of the nation on them all season long.

The 2025 season will be a pivotal one for Dabo Swinney and his program. Will they continue their dominance, or will they face new challenges that force them to adapt? Regardless of the outcome, Clemson will undoubtedly be one of the most interesting teams in college football as they look to reclaim their spot atop the college football world. As ESPN aptly stated, the Tigers are a team to watch closely in the upcoming season.