Clemson football: Analysts are respecting Tigers like never before

Analysts are respecting Clemson football like never before

We’re seeing an uncanny amount of respect being directed towards the Clemson football program as we enter the beginning of the 2021 offseason.

The way-too-early 2021 preseason polls for many publications came out over the course of this week and basically none had the Tigers outside the top-five to begin the season, despite massive losses headlined by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne.

Here’s a look at a few of the prominent way-too-early polls and where the Tigers rank:

• ESPN: No. 1
• CBS: No. 1
• Saturday Down South: No. 1
• Sporting News: No. 2
• 247 Sports: No. 3

Clemson football will be disrespected at some point, but the amount of respect speaks to the growth of the program

There’s no doubt that we’ll see a couple of analysts over the course of the spring and summer throw shade at the Tigers. There will still be some declarations that the ‘dynasty is dying’ or that Clemson is slipping out of the national picture.

That’s bound to happen, but the overarching feeling from media across the board is that the Tigers aren’t going anywhere.

Despite what some may hope, the truth of the matter is that Clemson football is gaining just as much respect without Trevor Lawrence as the Tigers were with Lawrence.

People are beginning to see the reloading nature of Dabo Swinney’s program and they’re taking notice. You’re talking about a team that has to replace two first-round picks out of its backfield combined with a couple of losses at wide receiver still be ranked No. 1 in the nation in the preseason.

That’s the kind of fortress Swinney has built. That’s the kind of absolute powerhouse we’re talking about when we speak of the Clemson football program.

The Tigers aren’t going anywhere- and we know that- but it is a bit odd to see the amount of early respect being placed on Clemson by numerous national media groups.