As Clemson heads into the 2025 offseason, the Tigers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads in the program’s storied history. With a strong tradition of success, including multiple ACC titles, playoff appearances, and national championships, the Tigers are looking ahead to maintaining their competitiveness and possibly making history in the years to come. Here are five key factors that Clemson must consider as they enter the offseason and prepare for the 2025 season and beyond.
1. Quarterback Development and Position Battle
The quarterback position will undoubtedly be one of the most closely scrutinized aspects of Clemson’s offseason preparations. Historically, Clemson has been able to cultivate elite quarterbacks, from Deshaun Watson to Trevor Lawrence. However, in recent years, the Tigers have faced challenges in maintaining that same level of consistency at the position.
In 2024, the team saw multiple quarterbacks in action, and the play at the position was inconsistent. Whether it was Cade Klubnik, the highly touted freshman who showed flashes of promise, or DJ Uiagalelei, who transferred to Oregon State after his time in Tigertown, the quarterback play was far from the elite standard that Clemson has been accustomed to. Heading into 2025, the Tigers will need to ensure that Klubnik, now presumably the starter, continues to develop and refine his game under the guidance of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Klubnik’s progress is key for Clemson’s success and could be the difference in whether the Tigers compete for national championships or face more growing pains.
A major consideration here will also be the development of Clemson’s backup quarterbacks, as competition in the position room can only help sharpen the skills of the starter. Should Klubnik struggle or face injuries, the coaching staff will need to have a viable backup ready to step in. Keeping the quarterback room stable and productive is crucial for Clemson to sustain its high level of play.
2. The Coaching Staff and Schemes
In 2024, Clemson underwent significant changes on its coaching staff. The hiring of Garrett Riley as offensive coordinator was a major shift, as Riley brought a fresh, more modern offensive scheme with him from TCU, where he had success turning around the Horned Frogs’ offense. This hire is one of the most pivotal decisions Clemson made heading into the 2024 season, and now, as the Tigers look forward to 2025, it will be essential to see how well Riley’s offensive system takes shape with the existing talent on the roster.
Clemson’s defense has remained elite under the direction of Brent Venables’ successor, Wes Goodwin, who has maintained a stout defense despite personnel changes. However, the program must continue to balance both sides of the ball, and the continued development of the offense will be critical in keeping pace with the top teams in college football. Riley’s ability to install an up-tempo offense and generate explosive plays is crucial to help Clemson regain the dominance it once had on that side of the ball.
A larger question looms: how will Dabo Swinney balance his traditional coaching style, which has focused on recruiting culture and loyalty, with the increased pressure to keep up with the ever-evolving trends in college football? Clemson’s identity has always been tied to the culture that Swinney fosters, but in a changing landscape with NIL, transfer portals, and ever-more aggressive recruiting, the Tigers may need to adapt without losing their core values.
3. Recruiting and the Transfer Portal
In college football today, recruiting has become more critical than ever, and for Clemson to stay competitive, they will need to capitalize on the transfer portal and recruiting class of 2025. The Tigers’ ability to develop players has been a hallmark of their success, but the landscape of recruiting has shifted with the introduction of NIL deals and the transfer portal, making it imperative for Clemson to keep its roster competitive.
The Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class will need to address several key needs, especially at positions such as wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back. Clemson has already established itself as a top-tier program in terms of recruiting, but the pressure to maintain that standard only grows as new challenges, such as NIL deals, become part of the recruiting process.
In particular, the wide receiver position is one area where Clemson could stand to improve. With several young playmakers in the system, including Adam Randall, they need to bring in a few top-tier wide receivers who can stretch the field and complement the quarterback development.
Moreover, Clemson must be strategic about its use of the transfer portal. While the Tigers have not relied heavily on transfers in the past, they may need to adopt a more aggressive approach in the future to address immediate needs. With the talent influx from players transferring in, Clemson can fill in gaps on the roster, but it’s crucial that they make decisions based on fit within the program’s culture, ensuring that transfers mesh with the team dynamic.
4. Offensive Line and Run Game Rejuvenation
The offensive line has been a topic of concern for Clemson in recent seasons, and this is an area the Tigers must address heading into the 2025 season. The offensive line’s performance directly impacts the effectiveness of the run game and the development of the quarterback position. The Tigers need to fortify their front five to ensure they are able to generate a strong, consistent running game, which will, in turn, open up the passing game.
The running back position, once a strong point for Clemson, has not been as productive in recent seasons. While Will Shipley has been a reliable back, the lack of depth behind him has led to inconsistency in the ground attack. The offensive line needs to provide better blocking in both the run and pass game, especially as Clemson moves toward a more spread-out, fast-paced offense under Garrett Riley’s system.
Clemson will need to recruit and develop offensive linemen who can protect the quarterback and open lanes for running backs. This is no small task, but without a rejuvenation of the offensive line and the ground game, Clemson risks falling behind in an increasingly competitive college football landscape. The offensive line, often a quiet but crucial element of championship-winning teams, will play a significant role in the Tigers’ bid for success in 2025.
5. NIL and Player Retention
The impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) is not going away, and Clemson will need to adjust to the new realities of college football in the 2025 offseason. The Tigers have traditionally prided themselves on building a culture based on hard work, loyalty, and team-first mentality, but NIL now introduces a financial incentive for players to consider transferring or seeking better deals elsewhere.
Clemson will need to strike a balance between embracing NIL opportunities for its players and maintaining its culture of player development. This includes both offering NIL opportunities for current players and being strategic in building long-term relationships with potential recruits. NIL may also change how Clemson approaches the transfer portal, especially when it comes to targeting players who have already developed their personal brand.
Another challenge here is player retention. The Tigers have historically done well in keeping players, but with so many big-name programs offering significant NIL deals, Clemson may face challenges in keeping its players, especially as top-tier talent may look to transfer for more lucrative opportunities. Ensuring player loyalty will be key to maintaining a competitive roster year after year.
