ESPN’s lead College Football Playoff insider gave her early prediction of the CFP selection committee’s top 12 if that ranking came out today.

Following Week 1 of the season, Heather Dinich updated where things currently stand in the 12-team CFP picture.

Following Clemson’s 17-10 loss to LSU, Clemson is No. 12 in Dinich’s projection of the CFP top 12 – right behind No. 11 South Carolina in her projection.

Dinich noted that if Clemson was indeed No. 12, the Tigers would not make the CFP due to being bumped out in favor of the fifth highest-ranked conference champion.

Dinich weighed in on why Clemson could be ranked No. 12.

“The Tigers aren’t being punished for losing to a top-tier team, but they’re in the final spot because of a one-dimensional offense that was exposed by LSU’s defense,” Dinich wrote. “Clemson’s combination of running backs accounted for 31 yards and a measly 1.6 yards per carry. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will have to play better to beat rival South Carolina, which is ranked above in part because of a better quarterback performance.”

Dinich also chimed in on why Clemson could be ranked higher than No. 12.

“The LSU defense deserves credit for harassing Klubnik all game,” she wrote. “He didn’t always have the time he needed to throw, and this was hardly a blowout like last year’s season-opening loss to Georgia.”

As for the toughest game left on Clemson’s schedule, Dinich sees that being the Nov. 29 regular season rivalry finale at South Carolina, which is coming off a 24-11 win over Virginia Tech in Week 1.

“This would still be a critical head-to-head result late in the season that could help either team’s playoff position,” Dinich wrote, “but ESPN’s FPI gives South Carolina a 66.5% chance to win. Clemson is 0-4 against SEC teams since the start of last season.”

After the win over Clemson, LSU is No. 1 in Dinich’s early projection of the CFP selection committee’s top 12. Florida State, after a 31-17 upset Week 1 win over Alabama, is No. 5, behind No. 4 Penn State, No. 3 Miami and No. 2 Ohio State.

Clemson will host FSU on Nov. 8 at Memorial Stadium.

The selection committee will announce its first of six rankings on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The final selection committee rankings of the 2025 season will be released on Selection Day, Sunday, Dec. 7. At that time, the committee will also announce the 12-team playoff bracket pairings and game sites.