Paul Finebaum Names the College Football Team Poised to End Its Championship Drought

"I think Clemson has everything necessary," Finebaum said. "I think the schedule is pretty favorable. I think certainly the first game, there are certainly some challenging games on there, nothing Clemson can't handle. I think for Clemson to play for a championship, they're going to need a very good seed. You don't want to get pickled away. An early road game, like they did last year."

Clemson Tops the Country in Returning Production

The Tigers are feeling optimistic after previously winning the ACC last year and making a return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020. Unfortunately, their return was brief, as they lost 38-24 to Texas in the first round. Nevertheless, there is a belief that this year could be different, largely due to the players the team is returning.

Clemson is ranked No. 1 in the nation for returning production, with over 80% of its overall output coming back this year. This includes Cade Klubnik, who is set to become a three-year starting quarterback. Last season, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

Clemson also had wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr., offensive tackle Blake Miller, wide receiver Antonio Williams, cornerback Avieon Terrell, defensive tackle Peter Woods, defensive lineman T.J. Parker and Klubnik included in ESPN's top 100 college football players list.

Dabo Swinney Talks Upcoming Season on "Good Morning America"

The Tigers are now aiming to leverage that experience and win the national championship. Head coach Dabo Swinney expressed his thoughts on the team during an appearance on "Good Morning America."

"I love this team," Swinney said. "They've done the work that we've asked them to do to this point. It's been all about preparation, and now the next step is execution. That's next."

Clemson will begin the season with an important home game against LSU on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.