Anonymous Coaches Sound Off on Clemson’s 2025 Outlook

"His Ceiling Defines Their Limit"

“How good is Cade [Klubnik], really?” one ACC coach asked bluntly. “His ceiling defines their limit as a program. You should see a big jump as [Garrett] Riley’s playbook expands with him.”

Klubnik made notable strides in 2024, his second year under Riley, the Broyles Award-winning offensive coordinator. He elevated his game from 2,844 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 2023 to 3,639 yards and 36 scores last fall. Perhaps more impressively, Klubnik added a new dimension with his legs, boosting his rushing total from 182 yards to 463 — and he did it on six fewer carries.

That dual-threat capability, combined with a growing comfort in Riley’s system, has opponents watching closely.

“They need a big season from the quarterback to be the old Clemson that charges through the league,” another ACC coach noted. “They’re playing the NIL game now, but the quarterback has to hit.”

Culture vs. the Modern Era

For years, head coach Dabo Swinney has built a reputation on stability and culture over splashy transfers or massive NIL payouts. That approach has come under scrutiny in recent seasons, especially with talent turnover and slipping production at traditionally dominant positions — like wide receiver.

“This is the year we find out if Dabo and his culture can survive in the new era of this game,” said one coach. “Two years ago, we watched tape and thought, ‘Man, their best days might be behind them.’ You saw the drop-off — especially at receiver. But now? They’re getting better. You’re seeing more talent than you have the last couple years.”

Indeed, the foundation seems to be solidifying. Most key contributors for 2025 were developed internally — a point of pride for Swinney’s program — and coaches are taking notice.

Fixing the Defense

While Clemson’s offense took a step forward in 2024, its defense — once a calling card under Brent Venables — took a step back. Under Wes Goodwin, the unit struggled, failing to meet the standard of recent years.

That’s where new hire Tom Allen enters the picture. The former Penn State defensive coordinator, and one-time Indiana head coach, is being tasked with restoring the Tigers’ defensive bite.

“Defensively, they’ve improved by bringing in [Tom] Allen,” another coach said. “He knows how to coach high-end talent and be disruptive.”

If Allen can unlock the potential of a talented but underachieving defense — and if Klubnik takes the next step in his development — Clemson could be poised for a return to national prominence.

Until then, the ACC waits, watches, and wonders: Is the Clemson of old ready to roar again?