Paul Finebaum Says a College Football Powerhouse Has Finally Returned

"They've crawled their way back," Finebaum said. "It feels like they are all the way back now. They just need to do it."

Clemson's Fall Since 2010s Dominance

The Tigers were one of the best teams of the 2010s. Clemson won ten games or more in every season except for 2010. Additionally, the Tigers made the College Football Playoff every year from 2015 to 20. They also secured two national championships, defeating a Nick Saban-led Alabama Crimson Tide team in both instances.

The 2020s have been challenging for the Tigers. Clemson only made the playoff in 2020 and again last year. In 2023, the team finished with a record of 9-4, marking the first time since 2010 that they did not win at least 10 games. While the Tigers have remained a strong team, they have not been national contenders during this period.

Paul Finebaum Believes Clemson Is a National Title Contender Again

This year, there is renewed optimism that Clemson can return to the top for the first time since 2018. The Tigers are starting the season as the No. 4 team in college football, and Finebaum stated he believes they can win it all.

“I’ve got bad news for you, I think Clemson’s got a chance to win it all this year,” Finebaum previously said. “On paper, they look like a better team than LSU.”

The Tigers are tied with Alabama for the fifth-best odds to win the national championship this season, according to ESPN. They trail only Ohio State, Texas, Georgia Bulldogs, and Penn State Nittany Lions.

Clemson Returns the Most Production in College Football

A big reason for the optimism surrounding Clemson this upcoming season is the number of players returning. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the nation for returning production from last year's College Football Playoff team, with over 80% of their overall production back for this season. They are the only team to reach the 80% mark.

One key returnee is quarterback Cade Klubnik, who had an impressive season last year. He threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions in his second year as the starter.

However, the Tigers are not only bringing back Klubnik; they are also returning several key players defensively. This includes defensive tackle Peter Woods, edge rusher T.J. Parker, linebacker Sammy Brown, and cornerback Avieon Terrell. Along with Klubnik, all of these players are ranked among the College Football Network's top 100 returning players in college football.

Clemson will open the season with a significant game against the No. 9 LSU Tigers at home on August 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.