Clemson: My Pick to Win the ACC in 2025
I have Clemson at No. 2 in my preseason Top 25, and I believe they have a strong chance to make the College Football Playoff and win the national championship. The defending ACC champions bring back virtually their entire lineup, rank No. 1 nationally in returning production, and are loaded with high-end talent on both sides of the ball. This is as complete a Clemson roster as I’ve seen in years.
2024: A Wild Ride That Ended on Top
Last season was a rollercoaster. Georgia thrashed Clemson in the opener, and Louisville beat them for the first time in school history. They nearly fell to Pittsburgh in October, and losses to South Carolina and Miami left them fighting for ACC survival in November. But Cade Klubnik and Nolan Hauser delivered when it mattered, beating Syracuse to clinch a playoff spot and then holding off Texas in a tense ACC title game.
From there, Clemson pushed eventual champion Ohio State to the brink in the first round, losing by just one score. It was a late-season surge that reminded everyone of what Dabo Swinney’s program is capable of when it finds its rhythm.
Offense: The Switch Flips
Early in 2024, the passing game was sputtering. Then, in Week 2 against App State, something clicked. Klubnik’s connection with his young receivers took off, and Clemson scored 40+ in four of its first five ACC games. Klubnik finished with 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions, a 63% completion rate, and a top-five QB rating.
The backfield featured Phil Mafah, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in just 10 games before an injury slowed him down late. Antonio Williams was the headliner at wide receiver with 75 catches, 904 yards, and 11 touchdowns, but the breakout was the duo of Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore—two young stars who combined for 85 receptions, 1,359 yards, and 10 scores. With Williams healthy again, this trio forms one of the best receiving groups in the country.
Up front, the offensive line is intact. All five starters return, led by LG Marcus Tate, and the unit graded No. 32 nationally in pass protection. The addition of transfer tight ends and a deep rotation of linemen gives this group both stability and depth.
Defense: Elite Coaching, Elite Talent
On defense, I think this might be Clemson’s most balanced unit since Brent Venables’ peak years. Wes Goodwin returns as coordinator after guiding a top-10 group in 2024, one that ranked No. 4 in opponent-adjusted metrics. The defensive line is stacked with All-ACC talent like Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart, and the incoming five-star Amaré Adams could contribute immediately.
The secondary is anchored by Andrew Mukuba’s replacement, RJ Mickens, plus talented young corners like Khalil Barnes and Kylon Griffin. This group is fast, physical, and deep at every level.
The Schedule and the Path
Clemson faces a challenging slate that includes Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Florida State, but they also get two mid-season byes. With nearly the entire two-deep returning, the Tigers are built to handle the grind. Win the big non-conference opener and take care of business in the ACC, and they’ll be in position for a top playoff seed.
Why I’m So Confident
Here’s why I’m picking Clemson to win the ACC:
- No. 1 nationally in returning production.
- A proven quarterback who caught fire last season.
- An elite receiving corps.
- A deep, veteran offensive line.
- A defense with All-America potential at every level.
This is a veteran team with championship pedigree, upgraded weapons, and one of the best combinations of depth and experience in the country. At No. 2 in my preseason rankings, Clemson is built for a title run—and they’re my clear choice to lift the ACC trophy in 2025.
