National Analyst Chris Hummer Makes Bold Case for No. 1 Team in 2025

“There’s a better-than-decent chance the preseason AP Top 25’s release will represent a shift,” Hummer said. “Again, I have Clemson right now as the best team in college football and believe the Tigers are a strong favorite to win the ACC.”

Why Clemson? Start with quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is drawing No. 1 overall draft pick buzz for 2026. Add in a defense that could have multiple first-round picks — including defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker — and the Tigers may have the most NFL-ready roster in the country.

“The latest CBS Sports mock draft has two Clemson players going in the top 10 next year, and other outlets have as many as six Tigers going in the first round,” Hummer said. “That shows the level of talent in Death Valley for a program that brings back the most production of any team in the FBS.”

Clemson also made strategic additions through the transfer portal, including its first-ever non-walk-on quarterback transfer, a significant step for Dabo Swinney in today’s portal-driven era.

Oddsmakers still have Clemson just outside the top tier of favorites — but Hummer sees value there, too.

• +1400 to win the national championship (FanDuel)
• +145 to win the ACC

With a 2024 College Football Playoff appearance already under their belts and a deeper, more experienced roster set to return, the Tigers could be poised for a full-circle moment — back to the title-contending machine they were under Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson.

Clemson hasn’t reached the national title game since 2019, nor hoisted the CFP trophy since 2018. But if Hummer is right — and the Tigers play to their talent — Dabo Swinney’s squad may soon be back where it once ruled.

This time, with a modern twist.