The 2025 Clemson football season is just a few days away, and the Tigers begin the year ranked as the nation’s No. 4 team.

Clemson snuck into the College Football Playoff last season after earning an automatic bid by winning the ACC Championship game.

The Tigers have transformed into one of college football’s powerhouse teams since Dabo Swinney took the head coaching job in 2009. Under Swinney, Clemson has had 13 10-win seasons, including 12 consecutive from 2011 to 2022.

After a nine-win 2023 season, the Tigers reached the 10-win mark again in 2024, going 10-4. The Tigers made it to the first round of the newly established 12-team College Football Playoff before losing to Texas 38-24.

Clemson is favored to make it back to the playoff this season as the projected ACC Championship winner, according to multiple preseason polls.

The Tigers have one of the highest player retention rates in the country.

Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season. Along with South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the pair of Palmetto State quarterbacks will be must-see TV.

Returning offensive tackles Blake Miller and Tristan Leigh will be in charge of Klubnik’s protection.

Former Dutch Fork receiver Antonio Williams is also back after being one of Klubnik’s favorite targets in 2024. He finished with 904 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

Receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. is also back after a breakout freshman campaign, during which he recorded 708 yards and five touchdowns.

Linemen Peter Woods and T.J. Parker highlight the returners on defense. Both players were selected to the Preseason All-American team.

For the first time in the transfer portal era, the Tigers brought in more than two players. Wide receiver Tristan Smith, defensive end Will Heldt and linebacker Jeremiah Alexander make up the team’s biggest portal class ever.

Key incoming freshmen include defensive lineman Amare Adams from Florence, tackle Brayden Jacobs from Georgia and running back Gideon Davidson from Virginia.

Clemson kicks off its 2025 regular season at home in primetime against LSU.

2025 Clemson Schedule

Week 1 - vs. LSU - Aug. 30

Week 2 - vs. Troy - Sept. 6

Week 3 - at Georgia Tech - Sept. 13

Week 4 - vs. Syracuse - Sept. 20

Week 5 - BYE

Week 6 - at North Carolina - Oct. 4

Week 7 - at Boston College - Oct. 11

Week 8 - vs. SMU - Oct. 18

Week 9 - BYE

Week 10 - vs. Duke - Nov. 1

Week 11 - vs. Florida State - Nov. 8

Week 12 - at Louisville - Nov. 14

Week 13 - vs. Furman - Nov. 22

Week 14 - at South Carolina - Nov. 29