Clemson football is gearing up for an electrifying 2025 season, brimming with high hopes and championship aspirations. After an encouraging 2024 campaign that saw the Tigers claw their way back to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020, head coach Dabo Swinney’s squad is ready to take the next step.
Despite a tough 38-24 loss to Texas in the first round, Clemson’s roster is stacked with talent, blending seasoned veterans with promising young stars poised to make an impact.
Leading the charge is quarterback Cade Klubnik, who returns for his third season under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Klubnik’s evolution last year was nothing short of remarkable, as he threw for 3,639 yards—seventh-most in Clemson history—along with 36 touchdowns, tying legendary Tigers Tajh Boyd and Trevor Lawrence.
His ability to protect the ball, with only six interceptions, combined with his mobility—rushing for 463 yards and seven touchdowns—makes him one of the most dynamic signal-callers in the ACC. His standout performance against Texas, where he shredded the nation’s second-best scoring defense for 336 yards and three touchdowns, solidified his status as a leader.
With his top receiving targets returning, Clemson’s offense is primed for fireworks in 2025.
On the defensive front, Clemson boasts a fearsome duo in T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. Parker was a nightmare for opposing offenses last season, racking up a team-high 11 sacks and setting a program record with six forced fumbles.
His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks kept the Tigers in critical games, and he is determined to elevate his play further. Meanwhile, Woods, despite battling injuries, demonstrated his versatility across the defensive line, tallying 28 tackles and three sacks. With both defensive standouts healthy and ready to wreak havoc, Clemson’s pass rush could be among the nation’s best.
The wide receiver corps is another area of strength, featuring the explosive duo of Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore, both of whom emerged as game-changers in their freshman seasons.
Wesco’s speed and route-running prowess led to 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 143-yard performance in the ACC Championship against SMU. Moore, a reliable possession receiver with a knack for shining in big moments, hauled in 45 catches for 651 yards and five scores, including a standout showing against Texas.
Their continued development, alongside veteran playmaker Antonio Williams, gives Clemson an arsenal of weapons capable of stretching defenses.
In the heart of the defense, linebacker Sammy Brown is poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. Brown, who earned freshman All-American honors, racked up 80 tackles—third-most on the team—along with 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
His instincts and relentless motor make him a force to be reckoned with. Alongside veteran Wade Woodaz, he will be tasked with anchoring the Tigers’ linebacking corps following Barrett Carter’s departure to the NFL.
Clemson will also look to rising stars to step into key roles, including running back Gideon Davidson, whom Swinney has hailed as the top back in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
With the departure of workhorse Phil Mafah, Davidson’s explosiveness and vision could be a game-changer for the Tigers’ ground attack. At tight end, Olsen Patt-Henry is set to step up after showing flashes of brilliance in 2024, catching three touchdowns and emerging as a dependable red-zone threat.
One of Clemson’s biggest strengths entering 2025 is its retention of key players in the face of transfer portal and NIL challenges. The Tigers have successfully held on to all of their starting talent with eligibility remaining, and their NIL collective, the 110 Society, has secured deals with several high-profile returnees.
Clemson’s offense remains in strong hands, with Antonio Williams back in the fold and right tackle Blake Miller returning after weighing his NFL options.
Despite losing veterans like Mafah, Carter, and tight end Jake Briningstool, the Tigers are confident in their replacements. Offensive lineman Harris Sewell is set to take over at left guard, while defensive tackle Stephiylan Green is primed for a bigger role on the defensive front. Swinney’s focus on player development ensures a smooth transition.
Looking ahead, the Tigers know their path to the national title hinges on defensive improvements. Swinney has acknowledged the need for adjustments after Clemson allowed a season-high 292 rushing yards to Texas, exposing a glaring weakness.
Whether further coaching changes will be made remains uncertain, but with the addition of Penn State’s Tom Allen as Clemson’s new defensive coordinator, one thing is clear: the Tigers are determined to reclaim their defensive dominance of old.
With a balanced mix of returning stars and fresh talent, Clemson football is set to be a force to be reckoned with in 2025. The Tigers are hungry, focused, and ready to reclaim their spot among college football’s elite.
