Clemson Tigers Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Tigers Roaring: Clemson Aims for National Glory

College football expert Phil Steele is predicting big things for the Clemson Tigers in 2025. "This year QB [Cade] Klubnik and my #2 receiving corps operate behind my #3 Oline," Steele said. "While they lose RB [Phil] Mafah, they have a fine stable of backs and this is one of the most potent offenses in the country!"

Offensive Firepower Returning

Clemson's offensive unit is loaded with returning talent. Eight starters are back, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik. In 2024, Klubnik threw for an impressive 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, ranking third in the country. He only threw six interceptions. This season, he'll be targeting top receivers Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and TJ Moore.

Defensive Reinforcements and a New Leader

Steele also highlights Clemson's defensive potential: "This year the defensive line is much more experienced and deeper and they have my #8 rated LB corps," he wrote. "New DC Tom Allen will have them allowing less big plays, and this will be more of the type of defense you expect to see on the field for Clemson.”

The Tigers' defense boasts eight returning starters. Headlining the changes is new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who replaces Wes Goodwin. Allen brings experience from Penn State, where his defense ranked seventh in the nation, allowing just 294.8 yards per game.

Championship Aspirations?

"Clemson used the portal a little this year to basically go from 0 to 4 returning starters on the DLine,” Steele wrote. “They will have an improved D with DC Tom Allen and the offense is one of the nation’s best. Clemson opens with LSU and has road games at [Georgia] Tech, Louisville and South Carolina but could be favored in all 12 games. With little turnover they have a cohesive roster… more of a team atmosphere than most and are a legitimate National Title contender.”