Offensive Line Should Be Strength for Clemson Tigers Next Season
The Clemson Tigers football program has established itself as one of the premier teams in college football, consistently competing for national championships under head coach Dabo Swinney. As the Tigers look ahead to the 2025 season, there are many aspects of the team to assess, but one area that stands out as a potential strength is the offensive line. While Clemson has experienced some ups and downs in recent seasons, the offensive line appears poised to be a key factor in the team’s success next year.
The offensive line is often referred to as the “unsung hero” of a football team, as they provide the foundation for the offense’s ability to execute. A strong offensive line can transform a good offense into a great one, giving quarterbacks more time to throw, opening up running lanes for ball carriers, and helping to control the tempo of the game. Clemson’s offensive line is primed to be one of the team’s biggest strengths heading into the 2025 season, and there are several factors that contribute to this optimism.
Returning Talent
One of the primary reasons for excitement surrounding the Clemson offensive line is the return of several key players with significant experience. While Clemson has seen turnover on the offensive line in recent years due to NFL departures and injuries, the 2025 season will see a return to form for this unit. Players like Marcus Tate, Jordan McFadden, and Walker Parks, who have become staples in the trenches, will return to lead the offensive front.
Tate, in particular, is a player to watch in the coming season. A strong, versatile guard, Tate has shown tremendous growth since his freshman year, and his ability to move defenders off the ball will be crucial in establishing the run game. McFadden and Parks provide stability at tackle and guard, respectively, offering a combination of size, strength, and experience that will help anchor the line.
These returning players will provide invaluable leadership and continuity, something that has been lacking in previous seasons. In college football, offensive lines often take time to develop chemistry, and the experience gained from a full year of starting together can make a significant difference in performance.
Recruiting Success
Clemson has been known for its ability to recruit high-level talent, and this is particularly true along the offensive line. Head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive line coach Thomas Austin have done an excellent job of bringing in top-tier recruits who have the potential to contribute early in their careers.
In the 2024 recruiting class, Clemson secured commitments from several highly-ranked offensive linemen who could make an immediate impact. One of the standout recruits is five-star tackle, who brings the size and athleticism needed to play at the highest level. These incoming freshmen, combined with redshirt freshmen and sophomores who are ready to step up, will add depth and talent to the offensive line.
Depth is crucial for any team, particularly in the trenches where injuries and fatigue can take a toll over the course of a long season. Having a deep and talented group of offensive linemen will allow Clemson to rotate players in and out, keeping them fresh and minimizing the risk of injury. This depth, combined with the talent already present on the line, will help elevate the unit to a level that could make it one of the best in the country.
Offensive Scheme and Playcalling
Another reason the Clemson offensive line should be a strength next season is the system in which they play. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s system, which was introduced in 2024, emphasizes a balanced attack with a heavy dose of play-action, quick passes, and zone-blocking schemes. This approach is designed to put less pressure on the offensive line in terms of pass protection, while also allowing them to create running lanes through a more dynamic rushing attack.
Under Riley’s guidance, the offensive line will be asked to execute a scheme that plays to their strengths, using their size and athleticism to dominate in the run game while providing adequate protection for the quarterback. Riley’s ability to get the ball out quickly on passing downs will help alleviate some of the pressure on the offensive line, allowing them to focus on their primary job—creating holes for the running backs and giving the quarterback time to make plays.
The success of the offensive line is directly tied to the offensive system, and Riley’s scheme has the potential to maximize the effectiveness of the unit. As the Tigers continue to adjust to his system in the upcoming season, we can expect to see an offensive line that is more cohesive and effective than in previous years.
Strong Running Back Group
Clemson’s offensive line will also benefit from the strength of its running back corps. The Tigers have a stable of talented running backs, including Will Shipley and Phil Mafah, who both possess the vision, agility, and power to turn small holes into big plays. A strong running game can take a lot of pressure off the offensive line, as it allows them to wear down the opposing defense and control the tempo of the game.
When the running game is working effectively, it forces opposing defenses to load the box, which in turn opens up opportunities for the passing game. The offensive line, in collaboration with the running backs, will be key to establishing this balance. Having a dynamic and versatile group of running backs will only increase the effectiveness of the offensive line, as they will be able to exploit the holes that are created for them.
Furthermore, a successful run game can help the offensive line maintain a rhythm, allowing them to develop better chemistry and communication. This can be particularly important for a line that has experienced some turnover in recent seasons.
Veteran Leadership from Coach Austin
Thomas Austin, the offensive line coach at Clemson, has been with the program for several years and has developed a reputation for his ability to cultivate talent along the offensive line. His coaching has been a significant factor in the development of players like McFadden, Tate, and Parks, and he has been instrumental in rebuilding the offensive line after some down years.
Austin’s leadership and expertise will continue to be a key asset for the Tigers in 2025. He has shown a knack for developing players who may not have been highly regarded coming out of high school, and his ability to coach up talent will be crucial as Clemson looks to take its offensive line to the next level.
In addition to his technical skills, Austin provides invaluable experience, having played on strong offensive lines at Clemson himself. His understanding of the demands and expectations of the program allows him to relate to his players and ensure that they are prepared for the challenges they will face on the field.
