Clemson football schedule for 2025: All games against LSU, SMU, and South Carolina are scheduled.

The 2025 Clemson Tigers football schedule is shaping up to be a thrilling season for the team, as they face a mix of traditional rivals and out-of-conference challenges. The inclusion of marquee matchups with LSU, SMU, and South Carolina adds to the excitement and will provide an opportunity for the Tigers to demonstrate their strength, resilience, and talent against both familiar and unfamiliar opponents.

Overview of the 2025 Clemson Football Season

The Clemson Tigers, a powerhouse in the college football landscape, have been a consistent contender for the College Football Playoff and the ACC Championship under head coach Dabo Swinney. The 2025 season is set to continue this tradition, with a schedule that promises high-stakes games, particularly against out-of-conference teams like LSU, SMU, and their heated rival, South Carolina. Each of these matchups presents unique challenges that will test Clemson’s ability to maintain dominance both within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and on the national stage.

In-Conference Play

The Tigers are members of the ACC’s Atlantic Division, where they compete annually against teams like Florida State, Wake Forest, NC State, and Boston College. As usual, the conference schedule will include several crucial games that could determine the Tigers’ standing within the division and the conference as a whole. The team will aim to defend its title in the ACC and clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game, where they will face the champion of the Coastal Division.

Out-of-Conference Play: LSU, SMU, and South Carolina

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2025 schedule is the inclusion of matchups against LSU and SMU, in addition to the always-anticipated rivalry game against South Carolina. These non-conference games present a diverse set of challenges. LSU, a perennial powerhouse from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), will provide a tough test for Clemson, as will SMU, a rising program from the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Meanwhile, the South Carolina rivalry game is always a fierce battle, with pride and bragging rights on the line. Let’s break down each of these non-conference opponents and how they fit into Clemson’s 2025 schedule.


LSU: A Clash of SEC and ACC Powerhouses

One of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 season will be Clemson’s game against LSU. The Tigers from Baton Rouge are coming off a string of successful seasons under head coach Brian Kelly, including a national championship victory in 2019. As a member of the SEC, LSU is always a tough opponent, known for its powerful defenses, explosive offenses, and top-tier recruiting. LSU and Clemson have met in significant bowl games in recent years, including the 2020 National Championship, where LSU came out on top.

The 2025 regular-season game between these two teams promises to be a classic, with both squads boasting elite talent across the board. Clemson will look to its defensive line and secondary to contain LSU’s dynamic offense, which could feature a talented quarterback and a deep receiving corps. On the other side of the ball, Clemson will rely on its offense, led by a strong quarterback, to exploit LSU’s defense and potentially gain an edge in this high-profile non-conference showdown. The atmosphere in Death Valley (Clemson’s home stadium) will undoubtedly be electric, with fans eager to see how the Tigers stack up against one of the SEC’s top programs.

SMU: A Rising Power in the AAC

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is an intriguing opponent for Clemson in 2025. Historically, SMU has been a solid program but not necessarily a national powerhouse. However, in recent years, SMU has made a name for itself as a rising team in the American Athletic Conference. Under head coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs have significantly improved their recruiting, offense, and overall competitiveness.

In 2025, SMU will look to challenge Clemson in what could be one of the Tigers’ more unpredictable out-of-conference games. SMU has shown that it can compete with some of the bigger programs, and the Mustangs will likely bring an aggressive and fast-paced offensive style to the matchup. For Clemson, it will be crucial to avoid overlooking SMU, as the Mustangs could pose a threat with their high-powered offense. Clemson’s defense will need to be disciplined, while the Tigers’ offense will look to establish dominance early and capitalize on SMU’s weaknesses.

For fans, this game will present a great opportunity to see how a team from the AAC fares against an elite ACC program. While it’s not an SEC or Big Ten powerhouse, SMU has the potential to make this an interesting and competitive game, one that will test Clemson’s ability to handle different styles of play outside of their typical conference competition.

South Carolina: The Palmetto Bowl Rivalry

No game on the 2025 schedule will be more anticipated by Clemson fans than the annual rivalry game against South Carolina. Known as the Palmetto Bowl, this matchup has a history of heated battles and fierce competition, as these two teams are located just a few hours apart in the state of South Carolina. The rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina is one of the most intense in college football, and each year the game carries immense significance—both for the teams and for their passionate fanbases.

Clemson enters this rivalry game as the heavy favorite, having dominated South Carolina in recent years. The Tigers’ string of victories over the Gamecocks has been impressive, and the team will look to extend that streak in 2025. However, South Carolina has been improving under head coach Shane Beamer, and the Gamecocks will be eager to knock off their in-state rivals and earn bragging rights.

This game is always unpredictable. Rivalry games tend to bring out the best in both teams, and no matter how one-sided the matchup may appear on paper, the stakes and emotions of the game often lead to surprising outcomes. For Clemson, this game will serve as a chance to maintain its dominance in the rivalry and finish the regular season strong. For South Carolina, it will be an opportunity to prove that they are capable of toppling one of the nation’s elite programs.


Key Dates and Locations for the 2025 Schedule

The specific dates and locations for the games against LSU, SMU, and South Carolina will likely be announced closer to the season. However, there are a few key factors to consider when looking at these games from a logistical standpoint.

Home vs. Away

  • LSU: The game against LSU will likely take place at Clemson’s home stadium, Death Valley, one of the most iconic and intimidating venues in college football. This will give Clemson a home-field advantage, which could be crucial in a high-stakes game like this. The atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric as fans prepare for what could be a showdown between two of the country’s top programs.
  • SMU: This game could be either a home or away contest, depending on how the scheduling pans out. If it’s held in Clemson, the Tigers will have the upper hand, but an away game would present additional challenges, particularly if the game is played at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium, which could bring a different level of intensity with the Mustangs looking to pull off an upset.
  • South Carolina: As the rivalry game, the location of this contest will be crucial. If it’s held in Columbia, South Carolina, the Gamecocks will have the advantage of playing on their home turf. If the game is in Clemson, the Tigers will once again have the edge in terms of crowd support and familiarity with the field. Regardless of the location, this will be a hard-fought and emotional battle that is always one of the season’s most intense games.

Potential Impact of These Games on Clemson’s Season

The outcomes of these three games could have significant implications for Clemson’s playoff chances, conference standing, and overall season trajectory.

  • Against LSU: A victory over LSU would be a major statement for Clemson, signaling that they are not just a powerhouse within the ACC but also capable of competing and winning against SEC elites. A win here could boost Clemson’s national ranking and place them firmly in the conversation for the College Football Playoff, assuming they perform well in conference play.
  • Against SMU: While SMU may not carry the same national cache as LSU or South Carolina, this game is important for Clemson in terms of maintaining momentum and avoiding an upset. Losing to SMU would be a significant blow to Clemson’s hopes of a playoff berth, and the team will need to treat the Mustangs with the respect they deserve to avoid an embarrassing result.
  • Against South Carolina: This game will always hold significant emotional weight for both programs. A loss to the Gamecocks would be a devastating blow to Clemson, especially if it happens late in the season, and could derail their aspirations for a playoff spot. However, a dominant win would solidify their position as the top team in South Carolina and ensure that they enter the postseason on a high note.

 

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