As the 2025 college football season nears, ESPN has identified ten teams drawing considerable attention this spring, with Clemson among the most intriguing. The Tigers find themselves at a crucial juncture, striving to regain their championship form after recent seasons of solid but unfulfilled performances.
A key factor in their potential resurgence is quarterback Cade Klubnik. In his 26 starts under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik has demonstrated accuracy, completing 64% of his passes while throwing for 52 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. However, Clemson’s offense has struggled to generate big plays, averaging just 10.7 yards per completion—dropping to 9.7 in their seven losses over that span.
Clemson’s offense showed flashes of greater explosiveness during last season’s College Football Playoff appearance. Despite falling to Texas, quarterback Cade Klubnik delivered completions of 30, 29, 28, 27, and 25 yards, signaling progress in the Tigers’ vertical passing game. Freshman wide receiver T.J. Moore made an immediate impact, hauling in nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be joined by fellow blue-chip freshman Bryant Wesco Jr., who averaged an impressive 17.3 yards per reception in 2024. Head coach Dabo Swinney highlighted Wesco’s physical development this offseason, noting that he has added 20 pounds to his frame.
On the defensive side, Clemson is undergoing a major shift with the arrival of former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen. The Tigers’ defense ranked 29th in defensive SP+ last season and hasn’t cracked the top 10 since 2021. Allen is expected to bring renewed intensity and structure to the unit.
With a highly anticipated Week 1 showdown against LSU on the horizon, Clemson’s spring practices are crucial. Strengthening the downfield passing attack and solidifying the defense will be key factors in determining whether the Tigers can rise from ACC contenders to legitimate national championship threats in 2025.
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