Spring has flown right by and it feels like just yesterday we were all gearing up to see which college football teams were actually holding spring scrimmages and which ones looked the best.
Fortunately, Clemson football held its annual spring game and Dabo Swinney got to show off his absolutely loaded roster on a national stage. Apparently the Tigers have done enough to earn some massive praise from college football experts everywhere when you look at the post-spring Top 25 projections.
I've seen Clemson ranked anywhere between the 2-10 range but it's been mostly in that 3-4 area. That's impressive when you consider the Tigers were bounced in their first playoff matchup at Texas last year -- but they do bring back the most production in the Power Five.
Plus, it's been a few years since Clemson was really a powerhouse and contending for a national title. The Tigers have been fringe powers, falling short of expectations since COVID essentially.
However, one expert believes that Clemson is the best team in college football heading into fall camp following a strong spring. He ranked Clemson No. 1 in his post-spring Top 25.
CBSSports’ Josh Pate released his post-spring Top 20 rankings 👀 pic.twitter.com/1FyOSetUOO
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) May 12, 2025
That's right, Josh Pate believes Clemson is the best team in the country right now and, honestly, it's pretty tough to argue. The Tigers have one of the best defenses with about 3-4 guys who could legitimately be top-10 picks in next year's draft, arguably the No. 1 quarterback in the country, a strong offensive line, a deep backfield, and an elite receiving corps.
Pate shouldn't be the only expert that sees Clemson as the top team in the country but my gut tells me that Dabo Swinney would rather be an underdog.
This should be a special season.