sports and game - Clemson enters the 2025 season with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations, boasting an impressive returning roster and fresh coaching additions. However, beneath the surface of their champio...
nship potential lies a concerning vulnerability - their depth chart.
The Tigers' credentials are undeniable. With seven CFP appearances since 2014 and two national championships, Dabo Swinney's program has established itself as a perennial contender. The return of quarterback Cade Klubnik, alongside 15 other starters, provides a strong foundation for another title run.
The addition of defensive coordinator Tom Allen represents a significant upgrade to the coaching staff. Allen's reputation for instilling an aggressive defensive mindset could address what many viewed as a missing element in Clemson's 2024 campaign.
However, respected analyst Josh Pate has identified a critical weakness that could derail Clemson's championship hopes - their lack of championship-caliber depth. Unlike programs such as Texas and Alabama, which have built extensive talent throughout their depth charts, Clemson's second and third-string players may not be at the same elite level.
This depth concern becomes particularly relevant in the expanded 12-team playoff format, where teams must potentially navigate multiple high-stakes games against elite competition. The physical toll of an extended season could expose any limitations in roster depth.
The Tigers' success may ultimately hinge on their ability to keep their primary contributors healthy throughout the season, a challenging proposition in modern college football.
The Tigers' credentials are undeniable. With seven CFP appearances since 2014 and two national championships, Dabo Swinney's program has established itself as a perennial contender. The return of quarterback Cade Klubnik, alongside 15 other starters, provides a strong foundation for another title run.
The addition of defensive coordinator Tom Allen represents a significant upgrade to the coaching staff. Allen's reputation for instilling an aggressive defensive mindset could address what many viewed as a missing element in Clemson's 2024 campaign.
However, respected analyst Josh Pate has identified a critical weakness that could derail Clemson's championship hopes - their lack of championship-caliber depth. Unlike programs such as Texas and Alabama, which have built extensive talent throughout their depth charts, Clemson's second and third-string players may not be at the same elite level.
This depth concern becomes particularly relevant in the expanded 12-team playoff format, where teams must potentially navigate multiple high-stakes games against elite competition. The physical toll of an extended season could expose any limitations in roster depth.
The Tigers' success may ultimately hinge on their ability to keep their primary contributors healthy throughout the season, a challenging proposition in modern college football.