ESPN recently broke down the biggest X factors for every Top 25 college football team this fall.

Run defense was highlighted as Clemson’s biggest X factor, or “the one thing that could make or break the season” for the Tigers in 2025.

“Though the Tigers have had standout players across their front seven over the past few years, that group has fallen short in one particular area — rush defense — and it became glaring last season,” ESPN’s Andrea Adelson wrote. “The truth is, its decline began when Wes Goodwin took over as defensive coordinator. In each of his three seasons, the rush defense has gotten worse, culminating in what became a major issue in 2024. 

“Clemson gave up 160.6 yards on the ground, and there isn’t much more proof needed as to how poorly the Tigers attempted to stop the run than their playoff loss to Texas, when the Longhorns rushed for 292 yards. Clemson tackled poorly and often took bad angles. This season Tom Allen takes over after leading one of the best rushing defenses in the country at Penn State. Expect this area to be vastly improved, returning to the standard Clemson set under Brent Venables.”

Clemson is the No. 2 team in ESPN’s post-spring power rankings, behind only Penn State.

“Much like Penn State, Clemson’s offense is stacked with a talented quarterback, deep receiver corps and an experienced offensive line coming back,” ESPN’s Mark Schlabach wrote in May, regarding Clemson’s outlook for 2025. “The Tigers don’t have a two-player attack at tailback and that remains their biggest concern after spring practice. Last year’s leading rusher, Phil Mafah, departed for the NFL, and top backup Jay Haynes tore an ACL in the ACC championship game.

“Converted wide receiver Adam Randall, and freshmen David Eziomume and Gideon Davidson might all get significant carries. Davidson was the No. 3 running back in the Class of 2025, according to ESPN Recruiting. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney also made a big move to shore up his defense, which ranked next to last in the ACC in stopping the run in 2024 (160.6 yards), luring defensive coordinator Tom Allen away from Penn State. Heldt, who had five sacks at Purdue last season, is another important player on the best defensive line in the FBS.”

Of course, Clemson opens the 2025 season at home against LSU — the No. 6 team in ESPN’s post-spring Top 25 — on Saturday, Aug. 30 (7:30 p.m., ABC).