David Pollack, former ESPN analyst and College Football Hall of Famer, has expressed strong confidence in the Clemson Tigers as a surprise powerhouse in the upcoming college football season. He believes quarterback Cade Klubnik will be a Heisman contender and praises Clemson’s improved approach to the transfer portal.
Cade Klubnik: A Rising Star
Pollack ranks Clemson’s Cade Klubnik as the No. 1 returning quarterback from Top 25 teams, projecting a standout 2025 season for the Tigers. In the 2024 season, Klubnik completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, with only six interceptions. He also rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. (Athlon Sports, The Clemson Insider, Wikipedia)
Pollack believes Klubnik’s performance positions him as a strong Heisman Trophy contender in 2025. He notes that Klubnik’s top three receivers are returning, and with an improved offensive line, the quarterback is poised for a breakout year. (The Clemson Insider)
Strategic Changes Under Dabo Swinney
Pollack also highlights Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney’s strategic shifts as a factor in the team’s resurgence. Traditionally hesitant to utilize the transfer portal, Swinney has begun to embrace it, addressing key areas of need. Additionally, Swinney made an uncharacteristic move by hiring former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen, known for his defensive acumen and alignment with Clemson’s culture. (The Clemson Insider)
Clemson’s Outlook for 2025
With these changes, Pollack ranks Clemson at No. 4 in his early top five teams for the 2025 season, ahead of Penn State and behind Oregon, Ohio State, and Texas. He believes the Tigers will be the top team in the ACC and a strong contender in the College Football Playoff. (The Clemson Insider)
Clemson’s schedule includes matchups against top quarterbacks like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and SMU’s Kevin Jennings, providing opportunities for the Tigers to prove their mettle. (The Clemson Insider)
David Pollack’s endorsement of Clemson as a surprise powerhouse is rooted in the team’s returning talent, particularly at quarterback, and strategic changes under Coach Swinney. With Cade Klubnik poised for a Heisman-worthy season and a renewed approach to team building, the Clemson Tigers are set to make a significant impact in the 2025 college football landscape.
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