2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 10-4, Loss vs. Texas in College Football Playoff First Round (38-24)

It looked like a lost season for Clemson following a 34-3 season-opening loss to Georgia. The Tigers put together six straight wins before falling to Louisville and eventually South Carolina. With three losses, Clemson found its way into the College Football Playoff after a 34-31 win vs. SMU in the ACC Championship Game. Clemson fell to Texas in round one but have high expectations for 2024.

OFFENSE: Will Clemson Have Best Passing Game in the Nation?

The days of Trevor Lawrence are far behind Clemson. Is there a chance the 2025 version of the Tigers brings the best passing attack since the former No. 1 overall pick?

Cade Klubnik returns to Clemson this season after making huge strides in 2024. He finished the season with 36 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Klubnik looked more decisive in the pocket, gaining a better handle of the offense. The game slowed down for Klubnik and that is a scary thing for the rest of the ACC.

It helps that Klubnik is being protected by an elite offensive line. Clemson returns four starters from last season. Blake Miller and Walker Parks are All-American talents. The Tigers have the best line in the ACC and arguably one of the best in the nation.

On the outside, Klubnik has plenty to work with. Antonio Williams led the team with 75 catches and 11 touchdowns last season. TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco are also back after being major contributors last season. Tristan Smith will also be a factor after 76 catches for Southeast Missouri State last season.

Clemson has its best passing attack across the board this season in quite some time.

DEFENSE: Can the D Keep Up with the Offense?

If Clemson scores a ton of points, it can win some games but the defense will have to get stops.

It begins with the run defense. Clemson lost some talent up front but returns Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart, who both weigh in at 315 pounds.

The secondary will be the strength of the defense. Avieon Terrell will be an NFL prospect this season while Ashton Hampton and Jeadyn Lucas will patrol the opposite side. Khalil Barnes leads the safeties as another NFL prospect who can play many positions.

Clemson did not feature a poor defense in 2024 but it will have to improve this season if Clemson wants to reach its ultimate goals.

2025 CLEMSON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. LSU
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Troy
• Saturday, Sept. 13: at Georgia Tech
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. Syracuse
• Saturday, Oct. 4: at North Carolina
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Boston College
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. SMU
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Duke
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. Florida State
• Friday, Nov. 14: at Louisville
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Furman
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at South Carolina