The anticipation for EA Sports College Football 25 can’t get much higher, but the unveiling of the top 25 teams in the game has certainly caused some fans to double-take.
Not only did Colorado rank 16th overall after going 4-8 in 2023, but Clemson, fresh off its worst record in over a decade, cracked the top 10 as the best team in the ACC. But opinions are nothing without facts, so here’s why the Tigers are overrated in College Football 25.
Clemson Overrated in EA Sports College Football 25 Team Power Rankings
EA gave Clemson the No. 10 offense (87 overall), No. 5 defense (90), and the No. 12 stadium in terms of toughest places to play.
While Memorial Stadium’s ranking might actually be too low — the Tigers went on a ridiculous 62-1 run at home from 2013-22, including a stretch of 40 straight — and the defense’s rating is spot-on — thanks to the likes of T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, Barrett Carter, Avieon Terrell and Khalil Barnes — it’s the offense’s placement that is difficult to grasp.
Dabo Swinney’s squad finished 50th in both points (29.8) and yards per game last season (402.7), and there are few reasons to believe they’ll improve in 2024. The unit lost several starters, namely RB Will Shipley, WR Beaux Collins, and C Will Putnam.
Yet, the more concerning part is the fact that the Tigers didn’t add a single transfer player this offseason. Although, if you ask Swinney, their recruiting class counts, since they “transferred” from high school.
The coaching staff, including second-year OC Garrett Riley, is betting the house on true junior Cade Klubnik, who completed just 63.9% of his passes at 6.3 yards per clip last season. The former five-star recruit and No. 1 QB in the 2022 class struggled with decision-making and ball security despite owning one of the lowest average depth of targets in the ACC.
Growth is expected in young players, but that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. Klubnik isn’t even the only young player with pressure to step up in 2024. The Tigers will rely on four underclassmen in the WR room: redshirt sophomore Antonio Williams, sophomore Tyler Brown, and true freshmen Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore.
KEEP READING: SEC Dominates the EA Sports College Football 25 Team Power Rankings
While seniors RB Phil Mafah and TE Jake Briningstool raise the floor of the unit, there is far too much unknown for Clemson to be the No. 6 team in the nation. In fact, the Death Valley resident landed at 14th in College Football Network’s FBS Power Rankings, even with some positive development built in for the offense.
Clemson’s rich history and defensive prowess are undeniable, but their offensive uncertainties and lack of roster additions point to their high ranking in College Football 25 being more of a nod to past glories than a reflection of current realities.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis, rankings, transfer portal information, top 10 returning players, the 2024 college football season schedule, and much more!