The preseason rankings are rolling in, and one of the most prominent voices in college football has delivered a stunning verdict: Joel Klatt, FOX Sports' lead analyst, has ranked the Clemson Tigers at No. 4 in the country! Klatt's high praise places the Tigers in the exclusive company of Ohio State, Texas, and Penn State in his preseason top four, a position that would secure them a top seed in the College Football Playoff.
Klatt, a longtime admirer of Dabo Swinney's program, didn't mince words in his assessment. “I’ve loved Clemson all offseason, folks," Klatt said on his show. "Clemson’s going to be really, really good.”
His confidence is built on a foundation of returning talent and a balanced approach that he believes is a throwback to Clemson's dynasty years. Klatt noted that the Tigers bring back 16 starters, and are led by a quarterback he firmly believes is the best in the nation. "They bring back 16 starters, including my best quarterback in the country, Cade Klubnik," Klatt said. "They have huge talent on both sides of the ball. They are going to be balanced, and you need that."
Klatt sees a clear and decisive path for the Tigers to return to the mountaintop. He is confident that Clemson will pass its first major test against LSU in the season opener, and believes that with a relatively manageable ACC schedule, the Tigers are a lock for postseason glory. “Their first and last games are going to be their toughest," Klatt said. "I think they win that game [against LSU]... This team is absolutely going to play for the ACC championship, and they probably should win the ACC Championship and probably have a top-four seed in the college football playoff.”
Perhaps most compelling is Klatt's belief that this season is set to be a massive vindication for Dabo Swinney. After years of criticism for his "old-fashioned" philosophy in the transfer portal era, Klatt believes Swinney is primed to silence his doubters once and for all. “Watch out for Clemson,” Klatt warned. “I think it’s going to be a fascinating year for Clemson and Dabo Swinney to take a victory lap on all of college football. All of us pundits out there were questioning whether Swinney knew what he was doing, and this is the year where he goes Yes, I do.”
With a bold No. 4 ranking and a powerful narrative of redemption, Joel Klatt has officially set the stage for Clemson's 2025 season. The Tigers are entering the year not just with high expectations, but with a chip on their shoulder and a chance to prove that their blueprint for success is still the best in the business.