A national outlet stacked up the best players in college football heading into the 2025 season, and a bunch of Clemson standouts made the list.
Six Tigers landed in CBS Sports’ ranking of college football’s top 150 players, including a couple in the top 10 and a trio in the top 15.
Rising senior quarterback Cade Klubnik leads the way among Clemson players and nearly earned the top spot overall, coming in at No. 2, just behind Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
“Formerly-maligned top recruit performed at a high level in 2024 but flew under the radar,” CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer wrote of Klubnik. “Protected the football better and was boosted by improved skill play. Completed 64% of passes for 3,300+ yards and 33 touchdowns (5 INTs), plus 450+ rushing yards and 7 scores. Klubnik thrives under pressure and should be in the thick of the Heisman and CFP race.”
Clemson’s star defensive line duo of rising juniors T.J. Parker and Peter Woods checked in at No. 9 and No. 14, respectively.
“Explosive, high-motor edge with elite get-off,” Brockermeyer wrote of Parker. “Racked up 30 hurries and 11 sacks. Slightly undersized by NFL standards but makes up for it with production and feel. A top returning defensive player for a unit that must improve.”
Added Brockermeyer of Woods: “Quick, disruptive interior lineman who played out of position too often last year. Should be back inside full time in 2025. Recorded 3 sacks, 14 hurries and consistently pressured QBs. Strong run defender with lateral quickness and violent hands. A top DT1 candidate if he puts it all together.”
Meanwhile, fourth-year Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams came in at No. 66, followed by rising junior cornerback Avieon Terrell at No. 87.
“Alpha of a young, improved WR group that has a few guys who could crack the top 150 by midseason,” Brockermeyer wrote of Williams. “Williams posted 71 catches for 838 yards and 10 TDs in a bounce-back junior season. Great feel for space and consistent chain-mover — 39 first downs in 2024. Operates best in the short-to-intermediate range with subtle quickness after the catch.”
Added Brockermeyer of Terrell: “Undersized but productive — 2 INTs and 14 PBUs. Smooth mover with strong instincts and pattern-matching skills. Plays the ball well in the air. Can struggle in jump-ball situations vs. taller receivers, but makes up for it with timing and technique.”
Rising senior offensive tackle Blake Miller (No. 126) rounds out the Tigers on the list.
“Veteran RT with three years of starting experience,” Brockermeyer wrote. “Heavy hands and great strength in the run game. Moves well and plays with a finisher’s edge. Struggles at times vs. quick inside counters. Could take a step forward if he cleans up footwork and balance in pass sets.”
Clemson will face a slew of CBS Sports’ top 150 players this season.
Such players that the Tigers are slated to see during the 2025 regular season include:
- South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (No. 3)
- LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (No. 4)
- South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart (No. 6)
- SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (No. 29)
- Duke quarterback Darian Mensah (No. 45)
- LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson (No. 49)
- Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (No. 57)
- LSU linebacker Whit Weeks (No. 60)
- Syracuse wide receiver Trebor Pena (No. 62)
- Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. (No. 76)
- Louisville running back Isaac Brown (No. 77)
- LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (No. 118)
- LSU edge Patrick Payton (No. 122)
- SMU safety Isaiah Nwokobia (No. 123)
- Georgia Tech running back Jamal Haynes (No. 128)
- Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers (No. 136)
- Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson (No. 137)
Of course, Clemson will open the 2025 campaign with a marquee matchup against LSU at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30.