ESPN handed out grades to various first-year coordinators, assessing how they’re performing as we near the midway point of the 2025 college football campaign.
So, how does Tom Allen grade out through four games in his first season as Clemson’s defensive coordinator?
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg gave Allen a “C-” grade.
Here’s how Rittenberg evaluates Allen:
“Despite winning another ACC title last season, Clemson’s defense had become ordinary, finishing 42nd nationally in points allowed and 85th against the run. A new voice was needed and Allen, who helped Penn State to the CFP semifinal in his only season as coordinator, made a lot of sense. Allen and coach Dabo Swinney connected very well, and Allen had spent some time in the region as a high school coach in Florida and later as South Florida’s defensive coordinator.
“The defense certainly hasn’t been the biggest reason Clemson sits at 1-3, outside the CFP picture and most likely the ACC race. Allen’s group kept things close in an opening loss to LSU, allowing only three points in the first 26 minutes. Clemson struggled to stop Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King in a Week 3 loss, but its overall defensive performance wasn’t bad. But the defense struggled from the start Sept. 20 against Syracuse, surrendering 24 first-half points and 433 yards.
“Clemson’s bigger problems seem to be with quarterback Cade Klubnik and the offense, but a defense filled with future NFL players needs a breakthrough soon.”
Allen’s unit is currently tied for 60th nationally in scoring defense (22.8 points per game allowed), while ranking 73rd in total defense (362.0 yards per game allowed), 49th in rushing defense (121.75 yards per game allowed) and 94th in passing defense (240.3 yards per game allowed).
Clemson (1-3, 0-2 ACC) is set to face North Carolina (2-2, 0-0 ACC) and a Tar Heels offense that comes into Saturday’s game tied for 106th in the country in points per game (21.0).
Kickoff in Chapel Hill is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN.