Ken Ruinard / staff, The Greenville News via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Paul Finebaum Names College Football Powerhouse That's 'Very Dangerous'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The 2024 college football season marked the end of the Ohio State Buckeyes' national championship drought, as they celebrated their first title since 2014.

Several other teams are also aiming to end their championship droughts, including the Clemson Tigers, a well-known contender in the College Football Playoff era. Clemson last claimed a national championship in 2018.

The Tigers reached the playoffs in the following two years, but it wasn't until last season that they returned, securing an automatic bid by winning the ACC Championship Game in a thrilling last-second victory.

Despite finishing the season with a 10-4 record, the Tigers lost to the Texas Longhorns in the first round of the playoffs, with a final score of 38-24. Nevertheless, ESPN's Paul Finebaum expressed his optimism for Clemson's prospects this season on his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show."

"I think Clemson is very dangerous," Finebaum said. "They're very good, and if they can get by LSU in the opener, I don't know anyone that can stop them."

Clemson is aiming to end its championship drought, and there is plenty to be excited about. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the nation for returning production. They are the only team in the country returning over 80% of their overall production.

One of the standout players returning for Clemson this season is quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions in his second year as the starter.

In addition to Klubnik, the Tigers are welcoming back several key players, including defensive tackle Peter Woods, edge rusher T.J. Parker, linebacker Sammy Brown and cornerback Avieon Terrell. All of these players, along with Klubnik, are ranked among the College Football Network's top 100 returning players in college football.

Clemson will kick off the season with a pivotal matchup against the LSU Tigers at home on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

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