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Athlon Just Ranked Clemson in the Top 5, But They Pointed Out One Fatal Flaw

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Lentz | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 8:29 AM ET

The buzz is back. The expectations are sky-high. And for Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers, the message from the national media is clear: Championship or bust.

Athlon Sports has rolled out its comprehensive preseason rankings of all 136 FBS teams, and the Tigers are staring down from a familiar perch, landing at No. 5 in the nation. It’s a return to the elite tier, a declaration that Clemson is poised to muscle its way back into the College Football Playoff conversation, trailing only Texas (No. 1), Penn State (No. 2), Ohio State (No. 3), and Georgia (No. 4).

This isn't just a courtesy nod. The analytics point to a juggernaut in the making.

"The Tigers returned to the top of the ACC last season and are poised for a run at the national title in 2025,” writes Athlon's Steven Lassan, citing the potent combination of quarterback Cade Klubnik, "one of the nation’s top receiving corps," and a defense that is "loaded" under new coordinator Tom Allen.

But a lofty ranking in June is one thing. Validating it through the fall is another, and Clemson's path to the playoff is a certified gauntlet.

The trial by fire begins immediately. On August 30, the Tigers welcome No. 7 LSU to Death Valley for a season-opening clash with massive playoff implications. Brian Kelly’s squad is re-armed and dangerous, with returning QB Garrett Nussmeier and a war chest of portal additions. A loss for either powerhouse in Week 1 could cripple their national title dreams before they even begin.

Survive that, and the schedule doesn't let up. The ACC slate features landmines like a road trip to a tough Louisville squad (No. 26) and a home date with a rising SMU (No. 24).

The biggest test, however, may come on Thanksgiving weekend. A trip to Columbia to face arch-rival **South Carolina (No. 12) is dripping with intrigue. Shane Beamer's Gamecocks tasted the big time last season, and according to Lassan, electrifying quarterback LaNorris Sellers "is simply good enough to cover up" for other roster questions. In a rivalry this heated, rankings go out the window, and an upset could shatter Clemson's perfect season hopes.

Within the ACC, Clemson remains the undisputed king. The Tigers are Athlon's pick to win the conference crown for the ninth time in 11 seasons, with the next-highest ranked team, Miami, sitting at No. 10.

The formula is there. A star quarterback. Elite weapons. A ferocious defense. But the questions are just as glaring. Can Klubnik and company conquer a schedule loaded with top-15 opponents? Can they handle the weight of championship expectations once more?

The stage is set. The Tigers are ranked among the nation's best, but their journey back to the promised land is paved with peril.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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