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| Cade Klubnik, Clemson |
Power Rankings
1. Clemson Tigers
A 31-point loss at the hands of Georgia to kick off the 2024 college football season seemed to spell doom for Clemson's hopes, but the Tigers found a way to reverse their fortunes over the course of the fall. There were still some frustrating moments, including a loss to Louisville and a heartbreaking defeat to South Carolina, but Clemson still found a way to outlast SMU to win an ACC Title - and gain entry to the first 12-team Playoff.
As the Tigers gear up for 2025, their offense could be among the most exciting not just in the ACC, but anywhere in the country. Garrett Riley is now in his third season as Clemson play-caller, has a veteran quarterback at the controls in Cade Klubnik, and has one of the best receiver corps anywhere in the nation. Sophomores Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore seem on track to be the latest and greatest at wide out, and veteran Antonio Williams is a proven commodity, giving Klubnik an abundance of options through the air.
The offensive line returns four starters, including likely NFL Draftees Tristan Leigh and Blake Miller at the tackle spots. That should help the ground game figure things out early, as they replace Phil Mafah. Converted receiver Adam Randall is likely to get the first crack at tailback, but highly touted freshman Gideon Davidson could shine early with Jay Haynes recovering from a torn ACL.
On defense, Dabo Swinney went out and made a statement by bringing in Tom Allen from Penn State to run this unit. Allen will have the usual collection of future NFL talent to work with, especially across the front seven. T.J. Parker and Peter Woods are already established on the defensive line, and they're now joined by the rare transfer, Purdue's Will Heldt, who had 10 tackles for loss in West Lafayette in 2024.
The secondary remains a work-in progress for Allen and staff, but junior corner Avieon Terrell gives them a rising star with leadership pedigree. Along with Khalil Barnes, who is back for his third season as starter at free safety, the Tigers should be able to figure things out on the back-end.
Bottom Line: There's no question Clemson has slipped from their peak in the mid-to-late 2010s, but all the stars align for the Tigers to have a resurgent 2025 campaign. Klubnik should be a Heisman contender, they are strong along both lines of scrimmage, and they have the playmakers offensively that have been sorely lacking in recent years. Combine that with an ACC that still appears to be missing a consistent second threat, Clemson is the favorite in the league and a true National Title contender.
2. SMU Mustangs