With the 2024 college football campaign about to kick off, ESPN released its preseason college football power rankings this week.

Clemson checked in at No. 15 in the power rankings – the second-highest ranked ACC team behind Florida State (No. 10).

Entering the first season of the 12-team College Football Playoff format in 2024, Clemson (9-4, 4-4 ACC in 2023) is looking to return to the playoff for the first time since 2020 following six straight playoff appearances in the four-team field from 2015-20.

“Once a top-five mainstay, Clemson has not made the College Football Playoff in three years and won nine games in 2023 — the first time in 12 years the Tigers failed to reach double-digit wins,” ESPN’s Andrea Adelson wrote. “But coach Dabo Swinney remains unconcerned, firmly believing in the direction the program is headed. Swinney has defended his decisions and his offense, starting with Cade Klubnik, who enters a crucial second season as the starter with Garrett Riley calling the plays. Clemson is banking on a better offensive line and young receivers to step up and show improvement.

“Meanwhile, the defense is expected to return to form after a bit of a dip a year ago, with Barrett Carter leading the way, along with super sophomores Peter Woods and T.J. Parker. We will know much more about Clemson after the first five games of the season — the Tigers open against Georgia, then have NC State and Florida State in two of their first three league games. Clemson lost to both last year.”

NC State appeared at No. 20 in ESPN’s preseason power rankings, right behind fellow ACC squad Miami at No. 19.

Georgia is unsurprisingly No. 1 in the preseason power rankings, while Ohio State, Oregon, Texas and Alabama round out the top five.

The Tigers’ season opener against the Bulldogs is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium (12 p.m., ABC).

Georgia is the No. 1 team in both the preseason AP Top 25 and preseason Coaches Poll, while Clemson is ranked No. 14 in both polls.

ESPN’s Playoff Predictor pegs Clemson as having a 27 percent chance to make the 12-team playoff this year, the second-best chance from the ACC behind Florida State (36 percent).

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!