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At least one national college football columnist believes the Clemson Tigers are a bonafide “sleeper” pick to win the national championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami come January 2026.
Given the year quarterback Cade Klubnik had in 2024 (3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns-to-six interceptions), and as many as five potential first-round picks in some way-too-early 2026 NFL mock drafts, Clemson will have its best all-around talent since the Tigers’ run of six straight College Football Playoff appearances in the four-team CFP era.
USA TODAY Sports and ESPN both have the Tigers at No. 2 in their post-spring top 25 rankings, and on Monday, USA TODAY Sports’ Blake Toppmeyer named five schools as dark horse contenders for the 2025 national championship, ranked 1-5.
Clemson was No. 2 on the list behind its season-opening opponent, the LSU Tigers. The two teams will clash in the season opener at Clemson’s Death Valley on Aug. 30.
Toppmeyer said of Dabo Swinney’s 2025 team:
“What’s not to like about Clemson? The Tigers returned gobs of production, making them the decisive ACC frontrunner. Much like LSU, they feature a seasoned quarterback and a talented batch of wide receivers. Clemson hosts LSU in a Week 1 prove-it game.”
That batch includes junior and leading receiver Antonio Williams (75 catches, 904 yards), sophomores Bryant Wesco Jr. (41 catches, 708 yards) and T.J. Moore (45 catches, 651 yards), and Southeast Missouri State transfer Tristan Smith (76 catches, 934 yards).
“Clemson boasts several players who should hear their name called early in next year’s draft, like defensive linemen Peter Woods and T.J. Parker. The offensive line is seasoned and solid. Plus, Dabo Swinney added three transfers – gasp! – who buoy the two-deep. There’s plenty to like, plus a clear path to the playoff from the ACC.”
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Source link : https://clemsonwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/clemson/football/2025/06/16/clemson-football-2026-cfp-playoff-title-odds-usa-today-sports/84234710007/
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Publish date : 2025-06-16 22:40:00
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