ESPN this week published an article (subscription required) breaking down the best- and worst-case 2023 scenarios for the teams in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.

In his article, ESPN’s Bill Connelly established Clemson’s ceiling as 11-1 and the Tigers’ floor as 8-4, with the biggest variable being “modernization.”

According to the article, Clemson — ranked No. 15 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 and No. 12 in ESPN’s initial SP+ rankings (primarily based on returning production, recent recruiting and recent history) — has a 19% chance of finishing 11-1 or better this season.

“After six consecutive top-four finishes and two national titles, Clemson settled into being merely a top-15 program over the last two years,” Connelly wrote regarding the Tigers’ biggest variable. “The Tigers averaged an offensive SP+ ranking of ninth in that six-year run, but that average sank to 61st in 2021-22. Acknowledging the obvious need for a refresh, Dabo Swinney brought in TCU’s Garrett Riley, who will have some fun pieces — QB Cade Klubnik, RB Will Shipley, WR Antonio Williams — around which to build. The defense wasn’t as good as projected in 2022, but it should be fine. As the offense goes, so goes Clemson.”

Dear Old Clemson has added the Tiger Sack Pack to our online store.  Save by getting the Two Pack of signed cards from two of the nation’s top defensive ends, Myles Murphy and Xavier Thomas.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. 

Dear Old Clemson is doing NIL the ‘Clemson way’, but we need your help to make sure we build a sustainable, repeatable model that will help keep Clemson competitive with the other top programs around the nation.

Dabo Swinney: “We need your assistance more than ever to provide meaningful NIL opportunities. Tiger Impact, Dear Old Clemson and other collectives allow student-athletes to utilize their voice and platform to maximize their NIL opportunities and strengthen their impact in the community.”

Graham Neff:
“Tiger Impact, Dear Old Clemson and other collectives need your support to help provide meaningful NIL opportunities for our student athletes. We are doing things the right way, the Clemson way with integrity as a non-negotiable and we fully support the mission of these groups.”

Join the Tiger Club or Lady Tiger Club to help these great student-athletes and help the Tigers compete at the highest level!