Clemson is chock full of talent and loaded on both sides of the ball entering the upcoming campaign.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) expects the Tigers to boast the nation’s most dangerous offense in 2025, and one of the country’s top defenses, too.
PFF ranked both the top 10 offenses and top 10 defenses ahead of the 2025 college football season, and Clemson landed at No. 1 in the offensive rankings.
“Clemson’s passing attack projects as the nation’s best in 2025,” PFF’s Max Chadwick wrote. “The Tigers feature PFF’s top quarterback in Cade Klubnik and PFF’s third-ranked receiving corps. No other school placed in the top five of both lists.
“Clemson also has a top-10 offensive line, with five of the six offensive linemen who played 500 snaps last year set to return for 2025. The only real question mark for the offense is at tailback, with true freshman Gideon Davidson projected to start. But even he was the No. 4 running back recruit in the 2025 high school class.”
Clemson showcased its explosive capabilities last season, when the Tigers finished 18th nationally in scoring offense (34.7 points per game), 11th in total offense (451.9 total yards per game) and 15th in passing offense (278.5 passing yards per game).
PFF ranks Clemson’s offense ahead of Penn State at No. 2 and Texas at No. 3, while Alabama and Florida round out the top five.
LSU, which of course opens the season at Clemson on Aug. 30, checked in at No. 6.
“The Tigers have the quarterback and requisite weapons to score on anyone; it’s just a matter of whether the blockers will allow them to shine properly,” Chadwick wrote. “Garrett Nussmeier is a top-five quarterback after placing in the top 10 for both passing yards (fifth) and big-time throws (seventh) last season. LSU’s seventh-ranked receiving corps and 11th-ranked running back unit will aid him in 2025.
“Four starters along the Tigers’ offensive line were drafted into the NFL, including top-five pick Will Campbell. That is the team’s big question mark.”
As for PFF’s defensive rankings, Clemson is tabbed as the third-best defense entering the 2025 season, behind Alabama at No. 1 and Texas at No. 2.
Clemson’s D is ranked ahead of Georgia at No. 4 and Penn State at No. 5.
“The Tigers boast the best defensive line in college football, largely thanks to defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge defender T.J. Parker,” Chadwick wrote. “They’re both top-10 players in the nation and project as the best prospects at their respective positions in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Clemson also has PFF’s fourth-ranked secondary thanks to an outstanding trio of corners and a top-10 linebacker unit as well.”
Clemson’s defense is expected to vastly improve under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who takes over a unit that features no shortage of NFL talent and returning starters.
Last season, Clemson was tied for 49th nationally in scoring defense (23.4 points per game allowed) and ranked 69th in the country in total defense (374.1 total yards per game allowed). Of course, the Tigers are especially looking to take a major step forward in terms of defending the run, as they finished 85th nationally in rushing defense (160.6 rushing yards per game allowed) a year ago.