The Clemson Tigers under Dabo Swinney have largely been a throwback. A program embracing tradition while their contemporaries have caved into modernity. As a coach, who almost always believed in the power of high school recruiting over transfer portal magic, 2025 was bound to bring something new. More specifically, renewed hope. The culture the HC has instilled at Clemson has propelled them to success and squeezed an extra year out of NFL-caliber players like QB1 Cade Klubnik. In fact, the Tigers have eight of its 11 primary starters returning this season.

Swinney’s defensive line needed retooling, and the line of scrimmage always takes precedence over unwritten rules. Well, Clemson did find quality help and is now in great shape. With the team keeping most of their roster intact and sprinkling in a few pieces to make up for a dearth in the trenches, one player-turned-analyst thinks the program is back in the national picture—ready to ascend back up to their pedestal and challenge for hardware. 

Georgia alum David Pollack discussed what makes Clemson a legitimate threat in the ACC and beyond in 2025 on the See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack podcast on April 2. He began by heavily appreciating the massive change quarterback Cade Klubnik will be bringing to the roster. “I just think Cade…I’ve watched the maturity with him, and that’s why I’m so high on Clemson next year. I think Clemson’s going to be unbelievable and I think bringing in [defensive coordinator] Tom Allen emphasizes it even more. Spring ball, I think, is going great for them and I think they’re going to have a great year. But just the experience of Cade…I think, he’s got superstar written all over him.”

“Clemson has variety,” remarked Pollack further. He acknowledged the additions Dabo Swinney has made at the line of scrimmage, which makes them “so much better.” He added how the great Clemson teams that challenged for and won Nattys over the past decade were good in the trenches but also had “great quarterback play, which they have [with Cade Klubik].” Pollack also said, “They have really good receivers that they can spread it out to. Which they haven’t had in a long time. So experience in that QB spot, a better offensive line [and] experience in the system. This offense and this receiving corps is going to be an absolute handful week in and week out.” 

Notably, the team clinched its 20th 10-win season in program history, becoming the 13th FBS program ever “to reach 10 wins in 20 different campaigns”. What’s more? They also pulled off an iconic 800th win in school history, making Clemson the 14th FBS program to hit the mark. As for Klubnik, who’s entering his third season as the team starter, he turned heads last season with 43 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. He also tied Trevor Lawrence (36 in 2019) and Tahj Boyd (36 in 2021) for the second-most passing TDs in a season in school history, while throwing for six interceptions. The 21-year-old ultimately finished the 2024 season with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns with a 63.4% completion rate. Well, that’s a lot of positivity, and a drastic change from what the common line of contention was for analysts…

Merely days ago, Michael Bratton of the “That SEC Podcast” laid a bit of an indictment at the feet of Dabo Swinney. He broke down their opening week game against LSU, as well as commented on the overarching status of the program heading into the ‘25 season. “LSU has not won an opener since 2019, since they won the national championship. I think this is the year they do it,” he said. Not only does he think the ACC’s Tigers lose to their namesake SEC compatriots, but Bratton echoed more lasting concern throughout the season. 

“I don’t understand the hype [around Clemson]. I mean, it was not that long ago we were saying Dabo [Swinney] is in over his head. They beat SMU, and it was like a miracle that they even beat them,” said Bratton. Well, who can forget that 56-yard field goal in the conference championship game?

But Bratton wasn’t in the mood for storylines. “They got back into the playoffs only because of the auto bid. But for some reason, Clemson’s getting all this hype. I’m not buying it.” he reiterated. These contradictory opinions between Pollack and Bratton epitomize the fickle nature of sports discourse. It’s a microcosm of how polarizing Dabo Swinney can be as well. 

However, hypotheticals and projections aside, Coach Dabo has more pressing matters at hand.

Dabo Swinney announces a change to spring game plans owing to health concerns

As is the case every off-season, this one also saw some dynamic changes around the college football landscape. However, this time around, they were quite seismic. A number of schools opted not to have a spring game at the conclusion of their practice camps. Dabo Swinney, being the traditionalist he is, didn’t waver and did indeed announce Clemson’s plans to host one. Ironically, he once again brought about a modification to those traditional values.

This iteration of the Orange vs. White spring game has a slight alteration. Instead of a regular exhibition game, it’ll feature a team of exclusively offensive players vs. a team of exclusively defensive players. According to the Clemson Wire, “The change comes down to injury concerns, making it difficult to balance depth across two separate squads. Instead, the Tigers will play a true offense vs. defense game, allowing for smoother substitutions and better competition.” But how does a game like this even work, especially in terms of scoring?

In the spirit of competition, a new scoring system is being put in place for the game. On the offensive side, scoring remains the same as a conventional game of football. On the defense, though, scoring shall be based on defensive actions such as interceptions and takeaways. Even forcing 3-and-outs will get you on the board. Even though the concept has stemmed from worries around injury for Dabo Swinney, it does seem intriguing. Unfortunately, though, the game won’t be televised. The reason for that is more straightforward—I hope more fans pull up to Death Valley in person.

The vibes around Clemson are currently up. 2024 was largely subpar, but Coach Swinney did garner some momentum down the stretch. It remains to be seen if this carries into the new season. Sure, there are skeptics. But considering the rationale David Pollack presented, the signs bode well.