ESPN on Clemson in their 2025 ACC college football projections

ESPN’s Bill Connelly isn’t ready to crown Clemson football as a true national champion contender just yet — even if the numbers say the Tigers could be back in the mix.

In his latest ACC preview, Connelly calls Clemson the clear favorite to win the league and return to the playoff, but he questions whether Dabo Swinney’s squad can go the distance.

“It’s a no-brainer to place Clemson atop the ACC pile. That makes the Tigers one of the surest picks to make the CFP. Where I struggle is when it comes to envisioning them winning three to four playoff games,” he wrote.

He points to a defense that didn’t live up to its talent last season and an offense that lacked enough big plays to scare elite teams. “The run defense was mediocre even with (Peter) Woods’ efforts up front, and the pass defense was merely good, not great,” he noted. Clemson’s passing game didn’t exactly pop either — “Mafah and Haynes produced some lovely big runs, but the Tigers ranked 80th in yards per successful dropback, and Klubnik averaged just 11.7 yards per completion,” Connelly added.

He also thinks a bit of good fortune helped: “Without those bounces in Charlotte, there’s no way we’re talking about a top-five team here.”

Still, he sees the potential. “If the Tigers are ever going to be elite again, you figure it’s going to come with this wonderfully experienced team… It’s going to be a lot of fun finding out what the Tigers can do. And there’s a chance they prove this hater wrong.”

Connelly’s SP+ model slots Clemson eighth nationally, with a league-best 36.8% chance of winning at least 11 games. His numbers show the Tigers return more proven production than anyone — 85% on offense, 76% on defense — setting up a chance to quiet any doubts this fall.

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Publish date : 2025-07-08 13:03:00

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