The 2024 college football season marked several teams’ return to prominence and the emergence of a few squads in the national title race for the first time in the College Football Playoff era.
In total, six out of the 12 teams that reached the playoffs did so for the first time. While not making their playoff debut, the Clemson Tigers returned for the first time since 2020. However, Clemson fell to the Texas Longhorns, losing 38-24 in the first round of the playoffs.
Once considered a consistent national championship contender, Clemson won two national championships in 2016 and 2018 and reached several other national championship games since the College Football Playoff era began in 2014.
On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum demonstrated confidence in the Tigers heading into 2025. “I think Clemson is in the national championship race,” Finebaum said. “I think they’re finally back to that.”
Clemson’s potential resurgence as a serious contender may not surprise many. However, Finebaum has historically been critical of the Tigers. He previously stated, “We talk about the top, the best,” Finebaum said. “Clemson’s not really that relevant anymore. I mean, they snuck into the playoff, and they got ushered right out of the playoff.”
Clemson’s confidence heading into the upcoming season largely stems from its impressive roster of returning players. The Tigers rank No. 1 in the nation for returning production, with over 80% of their output returning. In fact, they are the only team in college football to achieve this milestone.
Some of the key returning players include cornerback Avieon Terrell, quarterback Cade Klubnik, defensive tackle Peter Woods, EDGE T.J. Parker, and linebacker Sammy Brown. Each of these athletes is listed among the top 100 players in College Football Network’s rankings for the 2025 season.
Clemson will have an early chance to demonstrate its abilities when it faces LSU in its season opener at home on August 30.
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