After two years of relative turbulence, the ACC appears poised for a return to familiar territory at the top. According to ESPN's Bill Connelly, Clemson enters 2025 as the conference's projected frontrunner, and this time, the numbers back up the narrative.
The Tigers lead the nation in returning production at 80%, bringing back quarterback Cade Klubnik, a deep receiving corps, and four senior starters on the offensive line. With a defense that was one of the youngest in the country last season, Clemson now pairs experience with upside. Nine of the 13 defenders who played 200 or more snaps and are still underclassmen return, joined by new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, formerly of Penn State.
According to ESPN's Bill Connelly, Clemson is expected to average around 10 wins and stands as the favorite to win the ACC. The Tigers are projected to be double-digit favorites in most conference games, reflecting their returning depth and stability.
"It's a no-brainer to place Clemson atop the ACC pile. That makes the Tigers one of the surest picks to make the CFP," Connelly wrote.
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Connelly does, however, identify potential pitfalls that could limit Clemson beyond the ACC.
"Where I struggle is when it comes to envisioning them winning three to four playoff games," he wrote.
Though veteran-laden, Clemson’s defense struggled in several areas last season. The front seven, including standout Peter Woods, had trouble stopping the run, and the secondary lacked the shutdown ability seen in past elite Tiger units.
There’s no denying Clemson’s dominance in the ACC landscape. But turning that into a deep playoff run will require more than just experience. As Connelly put it, "If the Tigers are ever going to be elite again, you figure it's going to come with this wonderfully experienced team."
That answer may ultimately define how far they climb in 2025.