Clemson’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but as Coach Dabo Swinney puts it, it was a step in the right direction for the Tigers. Despite a tough loss to South Carolina, fate smiled when Syracuse’s win over Miami secured Clemson’s spot in the ACC title game and its first College Football Playoff appearance since 2020. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to break down how each position group performed.
Quarterback: A
Cade Klubnik shattered expectations, putting up numbers that rival some of Clemson’s all-time greats. With 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, Klubnik ranked among the best in Clemson history, showing he’s not just good, but potentially one of the program’s best. Despite a few missteps, Klubnik transformed from a promising talent to a bona fide star, and his future looks brighter than ever.
Running Back: B-
Injuries to Phil Mafah and Jay Haynes put the Tigers’ depth to the test. While Mafah impressed early with over 1,000 yards, the lack of depth became evident as the season wore on. Keith Adams Jr. and David Eziomume showed potential, but Clemson’s rushing game struggled in key moments. The future looks hopeful with incoming talent, but consistency is key for next year.
Wide Receiver: B+
Clemson’s receiving corps showed promise but fell short of greatness. Freshman T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco each had standout performances, while Antonio Williams stepped up as a leader. Though they didn’t hit their peak this season, this trio could become one of the nation’s best in 2025. WRU could very well be back on the map.
Tight End: B+
Jake Briningstool’s stellar season cemented his place among Clemson’s all-time great tight ends. He set the record for most career receptions by a Clemson tight end and was a crucial asset in both the passing and blocking game. His partner, Olsen Patt-Henry, also showed growth, and the future of this position looks very bright.
Offensive Line: A-
The offensive line showed growth despite some setbacks. First-year starter Ryan Linthicum and tackle Tristan Leigh solidified the line, and despite injuries to key reserves, the unit kept Klubnik upright. While not dominant in the run game, the line’s consistency was a key factor in Clemson’s success.
Defensive End: C
Clemson’s pass rush was inconsistent, and the inability to set the edge in the run game was a glaring issue, particularly in the playoff loss to Texas. Sophomore T.J. Parker shone with 11 sacks, but others failed to step up. The addition of Purdue transfer Will Heldt could help bolster this group moving forward.
Defensive Tackle: C+
Injuries and positional shifts impacted Clemson’s interior defensive line. Peter Woods spent half the season at defensive end, and the tackle group, while steady, didn’t make as big of an impact as expected. This unit has the potential to improve, but it needs to step up next season to be a true difference-maker.
Linebacker: B-
Barrett Carter, Wade Woodaz, and Sammy Brown all posted solid stats, but Clemson’s linebackers were occasionally caught out of position, especially in run defense. While the group showed flashes, they need to tighten up their play and work on better gap control. With Brown’s potential and Woodaz’s growth, this group could become one of the best.
Secondary: B
Clemson’s secondary had its ups and downs. Avieon Terrell emerged as one of the ACC’s top corners, and freshman Ashton Hampton showed he’s ready for the big stage. Despite being young, the Tigers’ secondary had its moments, but there’s room for improvement. With Terrell, Hampton, and Khalil Barnes leading the charge, 2025 could be a breakout year for the group.
Special Teams: B
The special teams unit had its share of hiccups, including five blocked kicks, but freshman Nolan Hauser’s game-winning field goal in the ACC title game was a highlight. Aidan Swanson showed promise as a punter but struggled with consistency. The key takeaway here? A clutch freshman kicker in a big moment helped keep this grade from dipping.
Coaching: B+
Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley was a standout, bringing significant improvement to Clemson’s offense. Matt Luke’s work with the offensive line deserves praise, and Swinney’s leadership guided the Tigers back to the playoff after a three-year drought. However, defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin’s unit needs to improve, as the defense regressed in 2024. Clemson’s future remains bright, but consistency on both sides of the ball will be crucial for next season.
Final Thoughts
Clemson’s 2024 season was a mixture of disappointment and promise, but the Tigers have all the pieces in place to bounce back stronger than ever. With an explosive offense and a solid foundation on defense, the road ahead looks exciting as the Tigers aim for greatness in 2025.
