As the 2025 season approaches, teams like Alabama, Texas, and Penn State prepare for another go at hoisting the national title trophy and usurping the reigning Ohio State Buckeyes. But a quiet contender might just be flying under the radar — the Clemson Tigers.
Despite not always making the headlines, their consistent performance and strategic roster management could position them as dark horses for the national title. Here is why the Tigers might be the team to watch this year.
Are Dabo Swinney, Clemson Dark Horses for the 2025 National Championship?
After a dominant run that included multiple College Football Playoff appearances and national championships, the Tigers experienced a dip in form and missed the playoffs for three consecutive years.
This period coincided with the introduction of unlimited transfers and NIL deals, which some argued head coach Dabo Swinney was slow to adapt to. However, the 2024 season marked a turnaround, with Clemson securing the ACC championship and earning a position in the inaugural 12-team playoffs.
Head coach Swinney, now recognized as Clemson’s all-time winningest coach, has been instrumental in this repositioning. His reluctance to heavily rely on transfers has been a point of contention, but it demonstrates his belief in developing homegrown talent. The approach that paid off last season.
“I just feel like they’ve built toward 2025… Best WR room I’ve seen them have in several years and they’ve got NFL talent on every level of the defense.” 🗣️@JoshPateCFB has @ClemsonFB No. 1 in his post-spring power rankings pic.twitter.com/HGlUIIUrpy
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) May 12, 2025
“I just feel like they’ve built toward 2025,” analyst Josh Pate said about the Tigers. “Best WR room I’ve seen them have in several years, and they’ve got NFL talent on every level of the defense,” he detailed.
A key factor in Clemson’s favor is the experience and depth of its returning players. QB Cade Klubnik, entering his third year as a starter, paired with a receiving corps that’s been described as the best in several years, the Tigers have a potent offensive unit.
Defensively, Clemson has also made strategic moves. The addition of former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen to run the defense is a significant boost. With a front seven loaded with players.
The narrative around Clemson is shifting from one of doubt to one of cautious optimism. No, they’re not currently the flashiest team, but their consistency and the coach’s track record suggest they shouldn’t be underestimated.
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Despite these strengths, Clemson often finds itself overlooked in national title conversations. Part of this is due to the media’s fascination with newer, flashier teams or those with high-profile transfers.
The coach’s approach, which emphasizes development rather than quick fixes, does not always align with the current trends in college football. However, this could work to their advantage.
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