- Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (18th season)
- 2024 Record: 10-4 (lost in CFP first round)
- Strength of Schedule: 26th
- PFF Projected Win Total: 8.2
- FanDuel Win Total: 9.5
2024 Recap
The 2023 season marked the first time Clemson didn’t win 10 games since 2010. Because of that, the program donned its lowest preseason ranking in a decade entering 2024 (No. 14).
The Tigers got back on track last year by winning their eighth ACC title over the past 10 years and thereby clinching their seventh playoff spot. Since Clemson brings back almost everyone from last year’s squad, the Tigers are the clear favorite to win the ACC and are one of the top contenders to win the national championship. Clemson has PFF’s best offense and the third-best defense in college football heading into 2025.
Biggest Strength: Continuity from a playoff team
The 2025 version of Clemson will look very similar to the one that won the ACC Championship last season. The Tigers return 16 of their 20 most valuable players from last season, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric.
Biggest Weakness: Running back
Perhaps the only question mark for the Tigers comes at running back. The team's leading rusher from 2024, Phil Mafah, is now with the Dallas Cowboys, so true freshman Gideon Davidson is projected to start at tailback. He was the No. 4 running back recruit in the 2025 class.