ESPN’s Rankings of All Clemson Teams That Made the College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the pinnacle of college football, determining the national champion each season. For teams that make the CFP, the road is filled with rigorous competition and immense pressure. The Clemson Tigers, one of the most prominent and successful football programs in the nation, have made multiple appearances in the CFP since its inception in 2014. With their dominating presence in the ACC and consistent success on the national stage, Clemson has cemented its place as one of the elite programs in college football.

As we take a deep dive into ESPN’s rankings of all Clemson teams that have made the CFP, it’s important to understand the context and challenges surrounding each of these teams. Clemson’s playoff teams have ranged from powerhouse squads with top-tier talent to underdog stories that defied expectations. This article will explore each of those teams, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and examine why they hold a particular ranking in ESPN’s list.

1. 2018 Clemson Tigers: The Unbeaten Juggernaut

The 2018 Clemson Tigers team stands at the top of ESPN’s rankings of all Clemson teams to make the CFP. This team is widely considered the best in Clemson’s storied history, not only because of their national championship victory but also because of their dominant play throughout the season. Led by head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers finished the season a perfect 15-0, culminating in a 44-16 thrashing of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national championship game.

Key Players and Achievements:

Trevor Lawrence: The freshman quarterback became the face of college football during the 2018 season, throwing for 3,280 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading one of the most prolific offenses in the country.
Travis Etienne: The star running back, who would later become Clemson’s all-time leading rusher, rushed for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Defensive Dominance: The defense was anchored by a talented defensive line, including future NFL stars like Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, and Dexter Lawrence. This unit was suffocating against both the run and the pass, allowing only 13.7 points per game.
Playoff Performance: In the CFP semifinal, Clemson destroyed Notre Dame 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl. In the championship game, they dominated Alabama, taking a 31-16 lead into halftime before eventually winning by 28 points.

The 2018 Tigers were not just a great team but a historically dominant one. Their perfect record, balanced offense, and elite defense make them ESPN’s top-ranked team among Clemson’s CFP participants.

2. 2015 Clemson Tigers: The First Playoff Appearance

The 2015 Clemson Tigers were the first Clemson team to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers finished the season with a 14-1 record, with their only loss coming in the national championship game against Alabama. This team’s success was a testament to the development of Dabo Swinney’s program and the arrival of several key players who would later become household names.

Key Players and Achievements:

Deshaun Watson: As a freshman, Watson burst onto the scene and was the focal point of the Clemson offense. He threw for 4,104 yards and 35 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs made him one of the most electrifying players in college football.
Wayne Gallman: The running back was a workhorse for Clemson, rushing for 1,527 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Defensive Playmakers: The defense was led by linebacker Ben Boulware and defensive end Shaq Lawson, who helped anchor a unit that allowed just 20.0 points per game.
Playoff Performance: In the semifinal, Clemson faced Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, winning in a thrilling 37-17 victory. Despite their best efforts in the championship game, Clemson fell short to Alabama 45-40 in a back-and-forth affair.

While the 2015 Tigers did not win the national title, they were an incredibly talented and resilient team. Their run to the national championship game marked the beginning of Clemson’s reign as one of the premier programs in college football.

3. 2019 Clemson Tigers: The Reigning Champion’s Quest to Repeat

Following their national championship win in 2018, the 2019 Clemson Tigers returned with a loaded roster and a hunger to repeat. Although they didn’t go undefeated like the previous year, their 14-1 record and dominant performances earned them a top spot in the College Football Playoff once again. This team had a slightly different feel from the 2018 squad, but it was still among the best in college football.

Key Players and Achievements:

Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence returned as the leader of the offense and proved himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, throwing for 3,665 yards and 36 touchdowns. He continued to impress with his poise, accuracy, and ability to deliver in big moments.
Travis Etienne: Etienne continued to excel, rushing for 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns while also becoming a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Defense: The defense was anchored by linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who had a standout season and was one of the best defensive players in the nation.
Playoff Performance: In the semifinal, Clemson faced Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, winning 29-23 in a controversial game that featured several pivotal plays. In the national championship game, the Tigers fell short to LSU, losing 42-25. Although they lost, Clemson showed resilience throughout the season.

While the 2019 team didn’t replicate the same level of dominance as the 2018 squad, their run to the national championship game and their overall talent make them one of the best teams in Clemson history.

4. 2020 Clemson Tigers: An Unfinished Journey

The 2020 Clemson Tigers were the defending ACC champions and entered the season with high expectations. With a 10-2 record, they secured another spot in the College Football Playoff, but their journey was marred by injuries and close losses. The team’s performance in the CFP left some wondering what could have been, but there were still plenty of highlights throughout the year.

Key Players and Achievements:

Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence had another standout season, throwing for 3,153 yards and 24 touchdowns. However, he missed two games due to COVID-19 protocols, which altered the course of the season.
Travis Etienne: The senior running back had a strong season, rushing for 914 yards and 14 touchdowns. His contributions as a receiver also helped the offense stay dynamic.
Defense: The defense was led by cornerback Derion Kendrick and linebacker James Skalski, but Clemson’s defense was inconsistent at times, particularly in the loss to Notre Dame during the regular season.
Playoff Performance: Clemson faced Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl in a highly anticipated CFP semifinal. Despite being favored, the Tigers were routed 49-28 by Ohio State. Injuries and an inability to execute in key moments contributed to the loss.

The 2020 team, despite being talented, will always be remembered for falling short of expectations. The loss to Ohio State was a disappointing end to what had been a promising season, leaving many wondering what could have happened had the team been healthier.

5. 2016 Clemson Tigers: The National Championship Run

The 2016 Clemson Tigers are remembered for their dramatic and emotional national championship victory over Alabama. This team, led by Deshaun Watson and a talented supporting cast, overcame numerous obstacles to win their first national title since 1981.

Key Players and Achievements:

Deshaun Watson: Watson was the star of the show, throwing for 4,593 yards and 41 touchdowns. His performance in the national championship game, where he threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with one second remaining, will go down as one of the most iconic moments in college football history.
Wayne Gallman: Gallman was a key component of the offense, rushing for 1,133 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Defense: The defense featured players like linebacker Ben Boulware and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who helped create a solid unit capable of making big plays when needed.
Playoff Performance: In the semifinal, Clemson defeated Ohio State 31-0 in a dominant performance. In the national championship game, they battled Alabama in a back-and-forth affair, ultimately emerging victorious 35-31.

The 2016 team ranks highly among Clemson’s CFP teams due to its resilience, its star quarterback, and its ability to win in the clutch. This championship marked the culmination of Clemson’s rise to the top of college football under Dabo Swinney.