Clemson Football is gearing up to host its annual spring game today in Death Valley. There has been a great deal of optimism surrounding the Tigers during the offseason, and today will be the first glimpse fans will get of the 2025 team. Here are five interesting things to watch as this incarnation of the Clemson Tigers take to the field.
Backup Quarterbacks
Everyone knows Cade Klubnik is the undisputed starter under center for Clemson football, but where do the Tigers’ other signal callers stand? Christopher Vizzina enters his third season at Clemson and has put together a strong spring. But Vizzina only attempted 34 passes in 2024, completing 19 of them for 190 yards and no touchdowns. If Vizzina has developed his game further, he should be a nice insurance policy behind Cade. Also on the roster are true freshman Chris Denson from Plant City, FL and former local standout from Daniel High School, Trent Pearman. Seeing what each quarterback brings to the table will be exciting to watch.
Tom Allen’s Defense
Clemson football has a new defensive coordinator in Tom Allen. He takes over for the departed Wes Goodwin, who had drawn the ire of Tiger fans the past two seasons for a noticeable regression in the team’s defensive production. Allen has brought with him a fiery passion for the game and the players seem to have responded well to his system and defensive ideology. With a veteran group returning on that side of the ball, seeing improvement from the defensive unit would be a refreshing site for fans in attendance on Saturday.
Peter Woods: A preseason look at Clemson’s updated defense – Clemson Sports Media
Running Backs
One of the biggest question marks for Clemson football entering 2025 was the running back position, but the Tigers might be in better shape there than pundits are giving them credit for. Yes, there are big shoes to fill. Phil Mafah rushed for over 1,100 yards last year, his final season of eligibility, and was responsible for 46 percent of all carries logged by Clemson rushers. Clemson has several returning players in David Eziomume and Jarvis Green, the later who scored his first career touchdown against Texas in the play-offs.
But the emergence of Adam Randall who has been converted to running back, and freshman Gideon Davidson who has drawn rave reviews throughout the spring, should asway the fears of Clemson fans. We can’t wait to see them on Saturday.
Wide Receivers
It may sound cliche given that Clemson football returns its entire wide receiving core from last season, but it was such a dynamic unit that we could not get enough of it. As such, fans should be excited to see what these guys can do with a full offseason of work and improvement under their belts. T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco became one of the most feared freshmen duos in the country, and Tyler Brown is now healthy and read to be firmly back in the fold. And let’s not forget Antonio Williams, the veteran with speed and great hands. The Tigers’ wide receivers will be a truly dynamic group in 2025.
New Kids on the Block
Yes, Clemson Football has three transfers on the roster this year. And not just any transfers. These are impact guys. Fans can’t wait to see what linebacker Jeremiah Alexander, Tristan Smith, and Will Heldt. Alexander, who Clemson recruited out of high school, came from Alabama and will play linebacker. Smith, a tall 6’5″ wide receiver previously at Southeast Missouri State, will provide Klubnik a huge target, and Will Heldt, the monstrous defensive end previously at Purdue can wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Seeing what the new guys bring to the table may be one of the most compelling things to watch on Saturday.
There is much to look forward to from the Clemson Tigers in 2025. Narrowing down to just five things to watch during Saturday’s spring game is no easy task. So many storylines abound. But one thing is certain; Clemson football appears primed to make a lot of noise in 2025. On Saturday we get our first look.
