Why Dabo Swinney believes Clemson football can be better in 2025 after Texas loss in CFP

Clemson football’s improbable 2024 season has come to an end, but coach Dabo Swinney is optimistic about the future.

The No. 5 seed Longhorns (12-2) defeated the No. 12 seed Tigers 38-24 in the first round of the CFP on Saturday in Austin, Texas, at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Despite the early exit, Clemson (10-4) won the ACC championship for the first time in two years and made the CFP for the first time since 2020. The Tigers plan on being CFP contenders next season.

“Again, it’s always sad when it ends, even when it ends great,” Swinney said. “We’ve got a lot of guys coming back. We’ve got a really good football team.”

Clemson will lose key starters to expiring eligibility, including running back Phil Mafah, tight end Jake Briningstool, left guard Marcus Tate, safety R.J. Mickens, linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle Payton Page.

Yet, Swinney loves the starters he presumes will return, including quarterback Cade Klubnik, wide receiver Antonio Williams, linebacker Wade Woodaz, defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart and right tackle Blake Miller.

Swinney adores many of his underclassman players who are returning and gained crucial experience, like linebacker Sammy Brown, wide receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore, defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods and cornerbacks Ashton Hampton and Avieon Terrell.

The Tigers are also adding at least two transfers, Swinney’s first time nabbing more than one player in a cycle in the portal era, and 15 signees in its 2025 recruiting class, which ranks 27th in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Here are two key questions Clemson faces as it enters the offseason.

Will key Clemson football’s players actually return for another season?

Klubnik had an impressive season, recording 308 completions, the third most in Clemson history, and 36 touchdown passes,…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-dabo-swinney-believes-clemson-175930934.html

Author : Greenville News

Publish date : 2024-12-22 17:59:00

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