Clemson is positioned to reclaim its elite-status profile after a lean stint, with a veteran-heavy roster, a quarterback with college-ready polish, and a defense set to surge under new leadership. Five potential first-rounders on the roster, a seasoned OC in Garrett Riley, and a coaching stance that blends stability with opportunistic portal additions set the stage for a national-title push. The 2024 campaign ended 10–4 with ACC supremacy, and the Tigers aim to translate continuity into CFP gold in 2025.

Cade Klubnik enters his final collegiate chapter as a seasoned, trusted signal-caller who has grown into a high-trajectory passer with a clear understanding of the offense. The supporting cast is deep and experienced, and the unit should benefit from a more established rhythm. The transfer portal activity, including Will Heldt at defensive end and a staff shakeup on defense, signals a pragmatist’s approach to roster building that could yield immediate dividends on the field.

Swining into 2025, Dabo Swinney has evolved without losing the core ethos that forged Clemson’s championship years. The buy-in from players is evident, and the mix of veterans and blue-chip freshmen gives the Tigers a balanced ceiling. The schedule still presents big tests—LSU in Death Valley and a late-season gauntlet—yet the pieces line up for a championship-friendly arc if health holds and execution follows.

The defense is younger but stocked with length and playmaking potential, headlined by Heldt and a front that could become a disruptive unit. Offensively, Klubnik’s growth paired with a refined system and explosive playmakers could unlock a true national-contender profile. If Clemson stays healthy and avoids midseason slippage, a sustained CFP run is credible.

In a year where the ACC crown is the bare minimum, Clemson’s window is open wider than it has been in several seasons. The Tigers’ path to glory runs through a high-velocity offense, improved run defense, and a coaching staff that embraces adaptation while preserving identity. The task is clear: capitalize on continuity, maximize talent, and push back to the national championship stage.

Clemson University's football program is set to dominate the 2026 NFL Draft with five players projected in the first round, highlighting the program's elite talent pipeline. Defensive lineman T.J. Parker is projected to go third overall to the New York Jets, while fellow lineman Peter Woods follows closely at fifth to the Tennessee Titans, emphasizing their potential impact at the next level.

Wide receiver Antonio Williams is also in the top ten, heading to the Miami Dolphins at tenth. Cornerback Avieon Terrell is expected to land at twentieth with the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, quarterback Cade Klubnik rounds out the Clemson contingent at twenty-seventh to the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing the depth of talent within the program.

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a quarterback bonanza with several standout prospects like Cade Klubnik from Clemson, LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina, Drew Allar from Penn State, and Garrett Nussmeier of LSU. Arch Manning, though less experienced, also enters the conversation. Each of these players brings a unique skill set and developmental narrative that will be closely monitored by NFL teams looking to bolster their quarterback depth.

Drew Allar has made significant strides in completion percentage, showing promise as a pocket passer, while Cade Klubnik's performance in the College Football Playoff has raised expectations. Garrett Nussmeier, a product of LSU, showcases an incredible highlight reel but needs to refine his decision-making. Meanwhile, LaNorris Sellers' dual-threat capability makes him an intriguing option. These quarterbacks could alter the landscape of the league as teams assess their future needs and strategies for the upcoming draft.

The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, particularly with standout quarterbacks like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, and Drew Allar. Manning is projected to be QB1, potentially waiting until after the 2025 season to declare. Meanwhile, Nussmeier's play style draws comparisons to LSU's Joe Burrow but fluctuates, raising questions about his consistency. Other names to watch include Cade Klubnik, Fernando Mendoza, and LaNorris Sellers, all of whom have the potential to solidify their positions as top picks with strong performances this season.