Three Things Dabo Swinney Must Do for Clemson to Win the National Championship in 2025
Clemson University has been one of the most successful programs in college football under head coach Dabo Swinney. Since taking over as head coach in 2008, Swinney has transformed the Tigers into a powerhouse, capturing two national championships (2016, 2018) and consistently competing for playoff spots. However, despite continued success, Clemson has yet to return to the pinnacle of college football since their last title in 2018. As the 2025 season approaches, there are several key factors Swinney must address to get Clemson back into the national championship conversation.
To reach the top of college football once again, there are three critical things Swinney must do: rebuild the quarterback position, maximize recruiting and player development, and adapt to the evolving landscape of college football.
1. Rebuild the Quarterback Position
The quarterback position is the most important in football, and Clemson’s ability to win a national championship in 2025 largely hinges on the performance at this key spot. Since Deshaun Watson’s departure after the 2017 season, Clemson’s quarterback play has been inconsistent. Trevor Lawrence, Watson’s successor, delivered a national title in 2018 and was an outstanding player, but since then, Clemson has struggled to find the same level of stability at the quarterback position.
The 2023 season revealed issues in the passing game, particularly with Cade Klubnik, who was expected to be the next great quarterback at Clemson. Klubnik showed flashes of brilliance, but he lacked the consistency necessary to lead a championship-caliber team. With Clemson’s offensive system largely dependent on efficient quarterback play, it’s crucial that Swinney finds a way to either develop Klubnik into a top-tier quarterback or find a replacement who can step in and perform immediately.
This is no easy task, as the quarterback position has been one of the key differences between elite programs and those that fall short. Just look at Alabama’s dominant run under Nick Saban, which has been powered by quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Bryce Young. Georgia’s recent championships have been led by strong quarterback play from Stetson Bennett. In the modern college football landscape, a national title contender requires a quarterback who can manage the game, make big-time throws, and lead in critical moments.
For Swinney to get Clemson back on track for a national championship in 2025, he must ensure that Klubnik, or a new starter, is capable of being that difference-maker. Whether it’s continuing to develop Klubnik’s skills, bringing in an experienced transfer, or adjusting the offense to accommodate a new signal-caller, the quarterback situation is the first and most crucial factor for Clemson’s national championship hopes.
2. Maximize Recruiting and Player Development
Clemson has long been known for its strong recruiting and player development systems. However, recent years have shown that they may need to adjust their recruiting strategy in order to remain competitive at the highest level. As programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State have continued to recruit at an elite level, Clemson must do the same if they are to compete for a national championship in 2025.
Clemson’s recruiting, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, has been solid, but not as dominant as it needs to be to sustain the program’s championship-caliber status. One area where Clemson must continue to invest is in building up the depth of their roster. The Tigers have been able to develop individual players into elite talents—think of players like Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, and Trevor Lawrence—but they need to improve their overall depth to compete with teams that recruit at the top of the rankings year after year.
In addition to traditional recruiting, the transfer portal has become a key player in building championship rosters. Swinney has been somewhat reluctant to lean heavily on the portal in the past, preferring to focus on developing high school talent. However, as teams like Alabama, USC, and others have successfully used the transfer portal to bolster their roster, it’s clear that the portal is an increasingly essential part of building a title-winning program. Clemson must not ignore it, and Swinney must adapt his strategy to leverage the portal in ways that help fill immediate needs, particularly in areas like wide receiver and defensive back.
Another key component of building a national championship-caliber team is player development. Clemson has built a reputation for turning talented recruits into NFL prospects, and that’s one of the biggest reasons why they’ve enjoyed sustained success. However, the level of competition in college football has only increased, with more teams using advanced training methods and analytics to develop players. Swinney must ensure that Clemson’s player development system is as strong as ever, using the latest technology and coaching techniques to improve players’ skill sets, strength, and mental toughness.
One area where Swinney and his staff could improve player development is in finding the right balance between developing young talent and utilizing veteran leadership. Developing a roster that blends youth and experience is key to winning championships, especially when facing high-powered offenses and tough defenses. Clemson needs to ensure that players are being developed to play at a high level when they are called upon.
3. Adapt to the Evolving Landscape of College Football
The landscape of college football has changed significantly in recent years. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and conference realignment, the game has become more dynamic and unpredictable than ever before. For Clemson to remain a national title contender in 2025, Swinney must adapt to these changes and find ways to use them to his advantage.
First, let’s discuss NIL. The introduction of NIL deals has drastically changed the recruiting and roster-building process. Players now have the opportunity to earn money off their name, likeness, and image, which has led to more competition for top-tier recruits. Clemson must find ways to compete with programs that are offering lucrative NIL deals to attract top talent. Swinney, who has historically avoided the spotlight around NIL, may need to embrace the new realities of the game and find ways to attract and retain players who can help Clemson win championships.
The transfer portal also plays a crucial role in building a title-winning roster. While Swinney has been hesitant to embrace the portal fully, it is becoming increasingly clear that top programs like Alabama, Georgia, and USC are using it effectively. Swinney will need to change his approach and become more active in recruiting from the portal, especially for positions where Clemson needs immediate impact players, such as wide receiver and defensive back.
Finally, the constant shifting of conference affiliations adds another layer of complexity to the college football landscape. With schools like USC, UCLA, and others moving to the Big Ten, and conferences jockeying for position with new media rights deals, the future of the sport is up in the air. For Swinney to succeed, he needs to understand how these changes will impact Clemson’s future and be prepared to adjust to whatever new challenges arise. Whether that means scheduling smarter, finding new rivals, or adapting to changes in recruiting dynamics, Swinney must stay ahead of the curve.
