College Football Analyst High on Clemson Tigers’ Playoff Chances Next Season

As college football fans and analysts alike are already looking ahead to the 2025 season, one of the most intriguing teams on the horizon is the Clemson Tigers. For the past decade, Clemson has been a powerhouse in the world of college football. With a national championship win in 2016, another appearance in 2018, and a string of successful seasons, Clemson has firmly established itself as one of the elite programs in the sport. However, the Tigers faced some challenges in 2023, with a shift in their offensive scheme and a few bumps along the way. Despite these setbacks, there is a significant buzz surrounding Clemson’s 2024 season, with many analysts predicting that the Tigers will not only bounce back but also have a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP).

A Look Back: The 2023 Season and Its Challenges

Before we dive into why Clemson has an excellent chance of making a playoff run in 2024, it’s essential to first understand where they stand coming off the 2023 season. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s squad ended the season with a respectable 10-3 record, but the Tigers’ campaign didn’t come without its disappointments. While Clemson was still strong defensively, the offense took a step back. DJ Uiagalelei, the starting quarterback who was once viewed as the heir to Deshaun Watson, struggled with consistency, and the Tigers failed to win the ACC for the first time since 2014. Their loss to South Carolina in the final game of the regular season further cemented the idea that Clemson wasn’t operating at its usual elite level.

Clemson’s offense had issues across the board, with a lack of explosive plays and struggles in the passing game. The running game remained effective, but there wasn’t a sense of the dynamic, high-flying offense that fans had come to expect under Swinney. However, it’s important to note that these struggles were not entirely unexpected. Clemson was in the midst of a transition at quarterback, and there was a clear need for development in the offensive unit.

Why 2024 is Different for the Tigers

With the 2023 season in the rearview mirror, Clemson finds itself poised to make a major rebound in 2024. Here are several reasons why analysts are so high on the Tigers’ playoff chances next season:

1. Quarterback Play – The Arrival of Cade Klubnik

Arguably the most important factor in Clemson’s 2024 success will be the play at quarterback. Cade Klubnik, a highly touted recruit who saw limited action in 2023, is expected to take over the starting role this season. Klubnik is a five-star recruit with all the physical tools needed to succeed at the highest level. He has a strong arm, elite mobility, and exceptional decision-making ability. Although he wasn’t able to unseat DJ Uiagalelei in 2023, Klubnik showed flashes of his potential in the limited opportunities he had.

His development over the offseason will be crucial for Clemson’s playoff aspirations. If Klubnik can come in and play up to his potential, the Tigers’ offense will see an immediate upgrade. Klubnik’s ability to stretch the field vertically and make quick decisions in the pocket will open up the offense for Clemson in ways that were missing last season. This is the key to their success; an efficient quarterback capable of commanding the offense will alleviate some of the pressure on the defense and running game.

2. Elite Defense – The Backbone of Clemson’s Program

Clemson has long been known for its elite defensive play, and 2024 is no exception. The Tigers’ defense is one of the most talented units in college football, with a mix of experienced upperclassmen and dynamic young players who are ready to step into key roles. Clemson returns several key contributors from a defense that ranked among the best in the nation in 2023. This includes standout defensive linemen like Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee, both of whom have the ability to disrupt offenses on every play.

With these two potential first-round NFL draft picks leading the charge, Clemson’s defense is poised to dominate once again. The secondary also boasts a wealth of talent, including returning cornerback Sheridan Jones, who was a key player for the Tigers in 2023. Under defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, Clemson’s defense is known for its ability to adapt to different schemes and apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This is a critical asset in college football, and it will give Clemson an edge in crucial games, especially when facing high-powered offenses in the ACC and beyond.

3. Improved Offensive Line and Running Game

Another key component of Clemson’s success will be the offensive line. In 2023, the Tigers struggled in some key moments to establish a consistent running game, which put added pressure on the passing attack. However, with a year of development and new talent coming in, the offensive line should be improved heading into 2024. If they can protect Klubnik and open lanes for the running backs, Clemson’s offense will be much more balanced and difficult to defend.

The running back room is another strength for the Tigers, with Will Shipley returning for his junior season. Shipley is one of the most dynamic running backs in the country, capable of making defenders miss in the open field or running through tacklers when necessary. His ability to provide a stable, consistent ground game will allow Clemson to take pressure off the passing game and open up opportunities for play-action passes and deep shots down the field.

4. A Weakened ACC

The ACC, once a dominant force in college football, has seen some of its top teams experience turbulence over the past few seasons. In particular, the departure of some key figures from teams like Florida State and Miami has left the conference without a clear challenger to Clemson’s throne. Florida State, although improving, is still a few years away from challenging Clemson for the top spot in the conference. Miami, once a national powerhouse, has struggled to return to form under head coach Mario Cristobal.

This leaves Clemson with a relatively clear path to the ACC Championship, where they would only need to defeat a handful of conference opponents to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. While North Carolina, Louisville, and others could pose challenges, none appear to be a serious threat to Clemson’s dominance in the ACC, at least for the 2024 season. If Clemson can stay healthy and maintain consistency, they should be the clear favorite to win the ACC, securing a spot in the playoff field.

5. A Favorable Schedule

The 2024 schedule provides Clemson with some opportunities to build momentum and strength of schedule. While Clemson will face some tough opponents within the ACC, the Tigers’ non-conference schedule is manageable, with games against teams that don’t pose a major threat to their playoff hopes. Furthermore, the Tigers will benefit from playing a majority of their tough matchups at home, including a critical game against Florida State, which could be a de facto ACC Championship game.

A strong start to the season, including a few statement wins, could propel Clemson into the playoff conversation, even before their conference championship game. The team’s ability to secure early victories will be key to building a resume that the selection committee cannot ignore.

6. Dabo Swinney – The Winning Culture

Perhaps one of the most underrated factors in Clemson’s success is the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney. Swinney has built a culture of winning at Clemson, and his ability to rally the troops, make in-game adjustments, and keep his team focused on their goals is invaluable. Swinney has a track record of winning big games, and his teams have proven to rise to the occasion when it matters most. This experience and leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges that will inevitably arise in the 2024 season.