AUSTIN, Texas – Clemson’s season came to an end in Austin Saturday as the Tigers fell to Texas 38-24 in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

In the moment, Dabo Swinney was disappointed in how his team’s season came to an abrupt halt, but at the same time, the head coach saw some things that made him excited for what might lie ahead in 2025.

On offense, Swinney sounds extremely confident that he will get everyone outside of Marcus Tate back along the offensive line.

“We got one offensive lineman that we are (losing): Marcus Tate,” Swinney said. “All the guys are back and then some.”

Swinney has also been pretty adamant in his belief that Cade Klubnik is coming back, although the quarterback himself has been a little more noncommittal.

On defense, Swinney knows he loses Payton Page along his front four. DeMonte Capehart and Tre Williams each have another year of eligibility they could use but neither have given any indication of what their plans are for next season. Again, like he does with Klubnik, Swinney sounds confident both will be back.

The Tigers only lose Barrett Carter at linebacker and R.J. Mickens on the backend barring something unexpected, meaning that defense returns a ton of talent, including Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown.

“We know we’re going to (lose) Payton Page, but everyone else is back,” Swinney added. “We got a lot of great young linebackers that grew up this year. We got some young talent at corner. A lot of young skill.”

Swinney believes with what he has coming back, along with portal additions at defensive end and wide receiver and the incoming freshmen, that his Clemson program can take a

“We got a chance to be a really, really good football team,” Swinney said. “Grow and get better and build on some things we put in place this year. It’s my job to make sure we do that.”

A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!