Three bold predictions for Clemson football’s 2024-25 season

Clemson has a top-15 defense

At first glance, Clemson having a top-15 defense doesn’t seem like a bold prediction, but when you look at who’s not returning, it absolutely is.

Last season, the Tigers finished as the No. 11 in opponent yards per game at 305.8 yards per game. Unfortunately, Clemson returns less than half of its defensive production. Five of the six Clemson draft picks came from the defensive side of the ball. Nate Wiggins and Ruke Orhorhoro went in the first two rounds, and Xavier Thomas, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Tyler Davis went after the fifth.

The pass defense shouldn’t take a major hit, although losing Wiggins will take some getting used to. The main concern is how well this team stops the rush. Orhorhoro, Trotter, Davis, and Thomas were a part of the front seven.

So, how does Clemson rebuild its defense and stay in the top-15? Because it isn’t rebuilding, it’s reloading. While the Tigers aren’t returning a lot of production in the front seven, they are returning a lot of talent. First and foremost is preseason All-American Barrett Carter. He could have made his way to the NFL after last season but decided to go one more round in college. There’s also former five-star true freshman Sammy Brown, who could steal a starting role. Regardless, you can expect him to be in the rotation.

On the defensive line, Clemson returns defensive end Peter Woods, whose praises have been sung all offseason long. TJ Parker is another young guy who seems to be hitting his stride. Then you have lots of experience on the inside with seniors DeMonte Capehart, Payton Page, and Tre Williams to hold down the center of the defense. As a group, they’re a top-10 DL in the country, according to Pro Football Focus.