Offensive Line Should Be Strength for Clemson Tigers Next Season

The Clemson Tigers have long been known for their dominant defensive line, potent skill players, and high-powered offenses, particularly under head coach Dabo Swinney. However, in recent seasons, the offensive line has been an area of concern. Despite being a critical position group, the Tigers’ offensive line struggled at times to create consistency in both the running and passing games. But as we look toward next season, there is ample reason to believe that the offensive line will be a strength for Clemson, provided the right pieces fall into place. With a mix of experienced veterans, promising young talent, and a renewed focus on development, the offensive line could become a formidable unit capable of supporting both the Tigers’ offensive system and the ambitions of the team as a whole.

1. Rebuilding and Development Under New Coaches

One of the significant factors in the improvement of Clemson’s offensive line is the change in coaching personnel. In recent years, the Tigers have undergone several changes in their coaching staff, and one of the more pivotal moves was the hiring of Thomas Austin as offensive line coach in 2021. Austin, a former Clemson offensive lineman, brought a unique perspective to the coaching staff. Having played in Clemson’s system, Austin understands the culture and demands of the program, which has been crucial in ensuring continuity and familiarity within the offensive line room.

Austin’s approach to coaching the offensive line is one that focuses on fundamentals, technical skill, and physicality. Over time, these qualities should lead to the group making significant strides in both run blocking and pass protection. Clemson has been known for its aggressive and physical style of play, and with Austin leading the charge, the offensive line has the potential to return to that level of dominance. As players adapt to his coaching methods, their performance should improve, which will, in turn, allow the Tigers to return to a more balanced offensive attack.

2. Veteran Leadership and Experience

Another reason the offensive line could be a strength next season is the return of several key veterans. These players bring valuable experience to the group and will provide a sense of stability in an otherwise young lineup. Among these veterans is Jordan McFadden, a standout tackle who has been a consistent performer for the Tigers over the past few seasons. McFadden’s leadership and skill set make him one of the top offensive linemen in the ACC, and he will be expected to anchor the line next season.

Along with McFadden, Clemson boasts several other returning players with starting experience. These players, such as Will Putnam, a talented guard, and Hunter Rayburn, who has also been a regular contributor, will help establish the foundation for the offensive line’s success. Their familiarity with Clemson’s offensive scheme, combined with their in-game experience, gives the Tigers an edge in developing continuity and cohesiveness along the front.

In addition to McFadden, Putnam, and Rayburn, several other returning players—like Blake Miller and Walker Parks—will be key pieces in the offensive line puzzle next season. Miller, in particular, is a rising star who showed potential during his freshman campaign and will only improve with added experience. With these players, the Tigers should be able to build a solid core of veterans and experienced contributors who can provide consistent play and serve as mentors to the younger players on the roster.

3. Promising Freshmen and Young Talent

While the veteran presence is crucial, Clemson’s offensive line has also recruited some exciting young talent that should help take the unit to the next level. One of the standout names in this group is the highly regarded recruit, Tegra Tshabola. Tshabola, a 5-star recruit in the 2024 class, is expected to make an immediate impact on the offensive line. His size, athleticism, and technical skills make him an ideal candidate to compete for a starting spot as a freshman. If Tshabola lives up to his billing, he will add another powerful weapon to the Tigers’ front.

Beyond Tshabola, several other young linemen could make waves next season, including players such as Colton Kegley and Sam Pendleton. These young recruits bring a high level of physicality, athleticism, and technique to the table, and with a year of development in the program, they should be well-positioned to compete for playing time in 2025. The infusion of this new talent will not only raise the overall skill level of the unit but also provide valuable depth, which is essential for keeping players fresh and mitigating injuries.

With a combination of veteran leadership and high-caliber newcomers, Clemson’s offensive line has the talent necessary to contend at an elite level next season.

4. Improved Depth Across the Offensive Line

Depth is often one of the most critical aspects of a successful offensive line, especially in college football, where injuries and fatigue can take their toll over the course of a long season. Fortunately for Clemson, the offensive line is no longer an area of concern in terms of depth. The Tigers have built up a solid reserve of players who can step in when necessary, which will be crucial for their success.

With McFadden, Putnam, Rayburn, and others holding down the starting spots, the reserve players will have the opportunity to develop without being thrust into action prematurely. Players like Kegley, Pendleton, and others will provide valuable depth and will be expected to contribute in spot starts or rotational roles throughout the season. Having this depth allows the coaching staff to be more flexible in terms of substitution and ensures that there will always be fresh legs available to keep the line performing at a high level.

Moreover, the rotation of players gives the coaching staff the opportunity to experiment with different combinations and find the most effective lineup. With a mix of veterans and younger players, the Tigers will have the luxury of flexibility, which is an essential asset when it comes to building a successful offensive line.

5. A Dynamic Quarterback and Running Back Corps to Support the O-Line

The strength of the offensive line is closely tied to the performance of the entire offense. In Clemson’s case, the offensive line’s development will be even more crucial because of the talent surrounding it, particularly at the quarterback and running back positions. Clemson’s offense will feature a talented group of skill players who can complement the offensive line’s growth.

At quarterback, the Tigers are looking to solidify the position after a few years of inconsistent play. Cade Klubnik, the young quarterback who showed flashes of brilliance in his first season, is expected to step into a leadership role in 2025. If Klubnik can take the next step and become a more consistent and dynamic playmaker, he will put additional pressure on opposing defenses and create more opportunities for the offensive line to succeed. A dual-threat quarterback like Klubnik can also help the offensive line by extending plays and opening up running lanes with his ability to move the pocket or scramble.

In the backfield, Clemson’s running back corps is one of the best in the ACC, with players like Will Shipley providing both power and finesse. A strong running game can take pressure off the offensive line by keeping defenses off-balance, and a talented running back like Shipley can make an offensive line look even better by capitalizing on blocks and finding creases in the defense. With a talented quarterback and running backs, the offensive line will have the resources necessary to execute its responsibilities and contribute to a balanced attack.

6. Clemson’s Offensive System and Philosophy

Finally, Clemson’s offensive system is designed to maximize the potential of its offensive line. Head coach Dabo Swinney has emphasized a balanced offensive approach, which relies on a strong running game to set up the play-action pass. The Tigers’ ability to run the ball effectively and maintain offensive balance is directly tied to the performance of the offensive line.

In addition to running the ball effectively, Clemson’s offensive system is also designed to protect the quarterback with quick, efficient passing concepts. The Tigers utilize a mix of short to intermediate routes, which can help protect the offensive line from elite pass rushers. The offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback in these quick-passing scenarios will be a significant factor in its success.