Clemson got a major boost in ESPN’s post-spring Way-Too-Early Top 25 — checking in at No. 2 behind only Penn State.
That’s a five-spot jump for the Tigers, who were ranked No. 7 in ESPN’s first edition back in January. The updated rankings reflect changes across the country following spring practices and transfer portal moves, and Clemson’s 2025 outlook is trending up.
“Much like Penn State, Clemson’s offense is stacked with a talented quarterback, deep receiver corps and an experienced offensive line coming back,” ESPN’s Mark Schlabach wrote.
Running back remains the biggest concern after the departure of Phil Mafah to the NFL and Jay Haynes’ ACL injury in the ACC title game. Schlabach mentioned that converted wide receiver Adam Randall could get carries along with freshmen David Eziomume and Gideon Davidson, the latter ranked No. 3 among 2025 RBs by ESPN.
On defense, Dabo Swinney made a key hire by bringing in Tom Allen from Penn State. Clemson struggled against the run last year, but Allen’s aggressive 4-2-5 scheme is expected to raise the unit’s ceiling.
“Heldt, who had five sacks at Purdue last season, is another important player on the best defensive line in the FBS,” Schlabach added.
Clemson opens the 2025 season at home against No. 6 LSU, setting up a top-10 showdown right out of the gate. SMU (No. 15), Miami (No. 21), and Louisville (No. 22) also represent the ACC in the rankings. Clemson hosts SMU and travels to Louisville but avoids Miami during the regular season.
South Carolina came in at No. 13, while former Clemson DC Brent Venables and Oklahoma round out the list at No. 25.
The Tigers have now been ranked No. 5 by USA Today and No. 4 by CBS Sports, adding to the growing buzz that Clemson could be a serious CFP contender again in 2025.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our…
Source link : https://clemsonwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/clemson/football/2025/05/08/clemson-football-espn-post-spring-rankings/83523266007/
Author :
Publish date : 2025-05-08 23:06:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
