After returning to the College Football Playoff last year, Clemson is projected by ESPN to take another step forward, opening at No. 1 in the network’s preseason ACC power rankings. Analysts see Dabo Swinney’s squad as the league’s top national title threat and the only ACC team currently slotted in the “should be in” playoff category.

S andwiched among other contenders in the preseason coaches poll, Clemson is aims for a second consecutive ACC Championship and College Football Playoff bid during the 2025 season. And if Dabo Swinney's early prediction comes to fruition for his veteran-laden team,