Can Clemson Run the Table in 2025? Breaking Down the Biggest Games
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Clemson is aiming for a return to national prominence in 2025, but the road won’t be easy. With one of the toughest schedules in the ACC, the Tigers will have to navigate a minefield of challenges if they want to contend for a College Football Playoff spot.
The season opener against LSU on Aug. 30 is one of the biggest non-conference matchups in college football. Brian Kelly’s Tigers are projected to be a top-10 team, and an early-season test like this will immediately show where Clemson stands. A win would set the tone for a dominant season, but a loss could put the Tigers in an uphill battle for the Playoff from Week 1.
Beyond LSU, Clemson’s ACC schedule is loaded with potential stumbling blocks. Road trips to North Carolina and Louisville stand out as trap games, with both programs expected to be among the conference’s biggest challenges. Bill Belichick’s arrival at UNC adds another layer of intrigue, as Clemson will now have to game-plan against one of the greatest football minds of all time. Louisville, meanwhile, Clemson fans know very well that they are capable of knocking off any contender on the right day.
Syracuse and SMU are two other games to watch closely. Fran Brown’s Syracuse squad is on the rise, fresh off a breakout 10-win season in 2024. Meanwhile, SMU nearly stunned Clemson in last year’s ACC Championship Game and will be looking for revenge in their second season in the conference.
When it comes to way-too-early predictions, sportsbooks suggest Clemson’s win total might be set at 9.5, but analysts believe this team has the potential to hit 10 to 12 wins if things go right. The biggest X-factor? Cade Klubnik. The veteran quarterback is coming off a strong season and will be the centerpiece of Clemson’s offensive attack. If he takes another step forward, Clemson could make a serious push for an undefeated season.
Still, there are plenty of challenges ahead. Will Clemson dominate the ACC and return to the College Football Playoff, or will key games trip them up? One thing is certain—this season has the makings of one of the most exciting in recent memory.
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And as always, Tiger fans, I’ll see you… at the top of the hill.