They're a preseason top-four team, but at least two prominent voices at ESPN believe the Clemson Tigers are still one of the most underrated teams in America.
For former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, their No. 4 ranking in the AP Poll isn't just wrong—it's "way too low."
"Look, I think, to me right now, it’s very clear who the top two teams are," McElroy declared on his show. "If we’re going based off of what we know... these two teams have the fewest [questions], Clemson and Penn State. They should both be at one or two."
McElroy questioned why a team like Ohio State, with its "legitimate question marks," would be ranked ahead of the Tigers, who return a wealth of experience from an ACC Championship team that pushed Texas to the brink in the College Football Playoff.
"I just feel like Clemson at four feels way too low," McElroy insisted. "They’re sleeping on them. I’m just saying. I know it’s four, I know it’s still pretty good, but that feels a little bit too low for me."
'All In' on an Offensive Explosion
McElroy isn't the only one at the Worldwide Leader who is bullish on the Tigers. ESPN betting analyst Pamela Maldonado is predicting a massive offensive season for Clemson, centered around a quarterback she believes is poised for a breakout.
"I’m all in on the Tigers this year. Don’t be surprised if Cade Klubnik is the best quarterback in the country by December,” Maldonado stated. “He has got the experience, the green light, and a trio of dangerous receivers in Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore."
The combination of talent and a favorable schedule has Maldonado seeing fireworks in Death Valley all season long.
"Continuity and talent are finally aligned for the Tigers on offense," she said. "Look for a lot of Clemson’s games to go over as this offense will be electric.”
While the official polls have them looking up at three other teams, the experts at ESPN see a team with a championship roster and an explosive offense, making Clemson one of the most intriguing—and perhaps disrespected—teams heading into the 2025 season.