The Clemson Tigers had to dig deep in the 2024 season, overcoming adversity to secure a spot in the ACC Championship. With a little help from Miami’s slip-up, Clemson made the most of the opportunity, defeating SMU to reach the College Football Playoff. Though their playoff run ended quickly at the hands of the Texas Longhorns, it was a sign that Clemson can still contend at the highest level in college football.
But as head coach Dabo Swinney has already realized, staying at the top means adapting—and this year, that meant turning to the transfer portal for the first time. Clemson’s status as an elite program is now under pressure as ACC rivals like Miami, Duke, and Syracuse are closing the gap in terms of talent and recruiting.
For the first time in years, Clemson finds itself in an unfamiliar position on the recruiting front. According to ESPN’s Eli Lederman, the Tigers’ incoming class is ranked seventh in the ACC, trailing not only Miami but also rising powerhouses Duke and Syracuse. Losing five ESPN 300 recruits in the fall was a blow, but those setbacks haven’t dampened the excitement around Clemson’s class.
Duke and Syracuse, fueled by impressive 2024 campaigns, are on the rise. The Blue Devils, led by first-year coach Mike Elko, made waves with a nine-win season, while Syracuse, under Fran Brown, surpassed expectations with 10 wins. Duke, in particular, made headlines by signing former Tulane QB Darian Mensah with a jaw-dropping $8 million offer, making him one of the highest-paid players in college football history.
While Clemson’s recruiting class may not be the flashiest, it still has star power. The Tigers’ top recruit, running back Gideon Davidson, could make an immediate impact. Davidson, ranked the No. 3 RB in the 2025 class, rushed for over 2,000 yards and 34 touchdowns in his senior season and has the potential to shine in a young running back room.
With star quarterback Cade Klubnik leading the charge, Clemson’s offense looks promising for 2025. But the pressure is on. Swinney and his team must continue to evolve and reload if they want to stay in the playoff hunt and win 10+ games in what is becoming an increasingly competitive ACC. The Tigers may be facing new challenges, but their hunger to dominate the conference remains stronger than ever.
