Clemson has made significant strides this offseason, positioning themselves as a formidable contender for the upcoming college football season. With a roster that boasts a mix of returning talent and new additions, the Tigers are ready to make waves, and Joel Klatt is taking notice.
Klatt’s Assessment of Clemson
In his recent Way-Too-Early Top-10 rankings, Klatt placed Clemson at seventh, a notable position given his perception of a clear divide between the top six teams and the rest. “Now, to be fair, this was one of the harder ones,” Klatt remarked. “So, Clemson – I put at the top of this entire list. And, to be very fair, someone could have talked me into Clemson being 15th. That’s how close I think seven to about eighteen are. All the teams that I mentioned before I got into the top-ten? All of ’em could be sprinkled into these four spots.”
Returning Talent and New Faces
Clemson’s ranking is bolstered by a roster that not only clinched the ACC Championship but also made a return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. The Tigers are not resting on their laurels; they have made three key additions from the transfer portal, matching the total number of portal players they acquired in previous cycles. This proactive approach signals a commitment to improvement and competitiveness.
“I love Clemson and what they’re doing,” Klatt expressed. “I love the fact that (Cade) Klubnik is back for his third year as the starter in the same offense. Dabo Swinney is finally, wait for it – dabbling in the portal? Huh? Okay, here we go! Clemson – starting to dabble in the portal a little bit.”
Offensive Strengths
Clemson’s offensive lineup is looking strong as they prepare for the new season. With Klubnik returning, along with four of five offensive linemen back, the foundation is set for a potent offense. Klatt pointed out their impressive performance against Texas, emphasizing their playoff appearance and ACC title as indicators of their potential.
“I think that their roster could be a little bit better … Klubnik is there. Four of five offensive linemen back,” Klatt noted. “Look at what they did against Texas even on the road. They got to the playoff. They won the ACC.”
Defensive Improvements on the Horizon
While the offense shines, Klatt also believes that Clemson’s defense is poised for improvement under the guidance of new coordinator Tom Allen. The defense has faced scrutiny in recent seasons, but with Allen’s expertise, there’s optimism for a turnaround. Klatt praised Allen’s track record, stating, “Tom Allen is a very good football coach. I’ve enjoyed covering Tom Allen, both from his time as a head coach at Indiana and then last year as a coordinator at Penn State. He’s really good and he will improve Clemson’s defense.”
Despite past disappointments, Klatt highlighted key defensive players who can make a difference. “You’ve got T.J. Parker – he had 11 sacks this last year. Peter Woods in the interior – he’s a good player. Sammy Brown – Freshman All-American this last season. So Tom Allen is going to have some pieces.”
A Promising Schedule Ahead
Looking ahead, Klatt is also enthusiastic about Clemson’s schedule. The Tigers will kick off their season with a challenging home game against LSU, a matchup that promises excitement and intensity. Klatt noted, “Their schedule? They open with a home game against LSU. That’s going to be great. They’re both in my Top-10. They don’t play Miami in the ACC. They get SMU at home.”
This schedule not only presents opportunities for high-profile matchups but also a clear path for Clemson to contend in the ACC and potentially make another run at the College Football Playoff.
Clemson’s Path to Contention
Despite a record that mirrors their performance over the last four years, Clemson returned to the forefront of college football last season by winning their conference and making a playoff appearance. With much of that successful team back, Klatt’s confidence in their potential is evident. “I like what Clemson is doing,” Klatt stated. “That’s why I’ve got them at number seven.”
As the offseason progresses, the excitement surrounding Clemson continues to build. With a blend of returning stars, strategic portal additions, and a favorable schedule, the Tigers are gearing up for a season that could see them reclaim their status among college football’s elite. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this season unfolds, and if Klatt’s predictions hold true, Clemson could very well be a team to watch as they chase glory once again.
