Pro Football Network Releases 2025 Bowl & Playoff Predictions: Clemson’s Road to Glory?
ProFootballNetwork.com has unveiled its 2025 college football bowl and playoff projections—and all eyes are on Clemson. The Tigers are projected as the No. 1 seed, and their predicted postseason path is both challenging and compelling. Let’s break it down:
Orange Bowl: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 8 LSU
The Orange Bowl sets the stage for a high-stakes Tiger showdown, featuring two of the nation’s top quarterbacks: Garrett Nussmeier for LSU and Cade Klubnik for Clemson. This clash in South Florida pits elite talent against elite talent.
So why is Clemson the No. 1 seed? Simply put, this roster may be the deepest and most complete in the country. Head coach Dabo Swinney has returned to his roots—building a team around a ferocious defense complemented by an explosive offense.
T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, DeMonte Capehart, and Will Heldt anchor a defensive front reminiscent of Clemson’s legendary “Power Rangers.” Sophomore linebacker Sammy Brown is already one of the best in the nation. In the secondary, Avieon Terrell isn’t just carrying a famous name—he’s a bona fide CB1.
LSU may be strong, but Clemson is projected to win—and if they’re already the top seed, that would mean they’ve beaten LSU twice in the same season.
Peach Bowl: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 5 Ohio State
Clemson and Ohio State add another chapter to their postseason rivalry—this time in the Peach Bowl. These two blue bloods have met in the Sugar, Fiesta, and Orange Bowls over the past decade. Now, it’s Atlanta’s turn.
Clemson owns a 4-1 all-time edge over the Buckeyes (3-1 in the postseason), and they’re favored again. At this stage of the preseason, Clemson appears to have the edge at quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line—three of the most crucial position groups.
Yes, Ohio State’s receiving corps can be a problem for any defense—but Clemson’s secondary and front seven are elite. The prediction? Clemson controls the trenches and punches its ticket to the National Championship.
National Championship: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 2 Texas
A sea of orange will flood Hard Rock Stadium as Clemson and Texas—two powerhouse programs—square off for the national title.
There were concerns that an expanded playoff format might water down the postseason, but this matchup feels tailor-made: two elite defenses, loaded offenses, and high-caliber head coaches. It’s everything you’d want in a title game.
Texas may have graded higher in both PFN’s Offense+ and Defense+ metrics last season, but Clemson’s young defense has rapidly matured into one of the best in the country. And with Arch Manning facing a defense unlike anything he’s seen in his first year as a starter, the edge may go to the more seasoned signal-caller in Cade Klubnik.
The projection? Clemson finishes a perfect postseason run by toppling Texas—securing their first national championship since 2018, and fourth overall.
Bonus: Regular Season Simulator Results
In addition to playoff predictions, Pro Football Network also released a simulator allowing fans to pick ACC games and see how the regular season standings shake out. Here’s how my simulated ACC season played out:
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