How Elite Can Clemson Be in 2025?

The Culture

One of the most telling moments of the Tigers’ offseason happened at the ACC Football Kickoff . It is when Peter Woods acknowledges that the members representing the Clemson program attending the media event had very similar answers to the questions asked of them. He attributed this to the fact that everyone, from the head coach trickling down, is of the same mindset. The Tigers are tuning out the hype, putting their heads down, and going to work. Hard work has been the theme of the offseason for Clemson. It is not just something being talked about, either. It has been reported that players are showing up to the facilities at least an hour and a half early to get extra work in. Swinney has talked about how getting to the playoffs last season and falling short in the first round has created a new level of hunger in this group. The leaders of the team have made the decision that they won’t fall short again. This team is close-knit, which helps them push and hold each other accountable. From all reports, this team lives and breathes everything Swinney says his program is about. Family, accountability, and doing the work necessary are the foundations on which the program is supposed to be built. A program’s culture is working when everyone buys into the foundations, like this Tigers team has.

The Schedule

One thing that determines if a team is elite is the competition it faces. This season, Clemson has a few tough opponents in games that will have postseason implications. The Tigers start and end the season against two SEC playoff contenders in LSU and South Carolina. In between are conference games against some of the best teams in the ACC. Clemson’s conference schedule includes teams such as SMU, Louisville, and Georgia Tech. It is a schedule that will pose some threats, but should be manageable for an elite team. Wins won’t come easily for Swinney and his team this season. Every team will give the Tigers its best shot e ach week. The schedule should get this Clemson team ready for the postseason.

The Verdict

On paper, the Tigers have everything needed to be one of the most elite teams in college football this season. The roster is constructed to have talent and depth at every position. Clemson’s culture is as strong as ever, and everyone in the building is bought in. The Tigers’ schedule is manageable yet tough. There is also an increased hunger from the missed opportunities of the last few years, especially last season. Winning the games on the schedule will prove that the 2025 Clemson team is truly elite. The Tigers are real national championship contenders once again. The time has finally come for this team to prove it. Main Photo: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images