Two weeks into the 2025 season, the Clemson Tigers are still searching for their identity. After a frustrating loss to LSU in the opener and a shaky win over Troy, the Tigers haven’t looked like a team ready to dominate. The good news? All of Clemson’s goals are still in front of them. The bad news? The ACC schedule isn’t forgiving, and if Clemson doesn’t clean things up, it could be a long fall. Another thing to mention is that Clemson has fallen down eight spots in the AP Poll since the season started, currently holding the No.12 ranking.
Early Growing Pains
The LSU game showed flashes of promise, especially on defense, but the offense stalled at key moments. Then against Troy, Clemson found itself in another grind-it-out performance instead of a convincing win. These first two weeks haven’t been disasters, but they’ve raised concerns about whether the Tigers are prepared for the gauntlet ahead.
An Offense That Needs a Spark
Clemson’s offense has plenty of weapons. The wide receiver group is talented and deep with Antonio Williams, Tyler Brown, TJ Moore, and Bryant Wesco Jr. Adam Randall and company in the running back room have the talent there that needs to be utilized more. But, through two games, explosive plays have been rare and consistency has been elusive. Even after a better second half against Troy from quarterback Cade Klubnik, he still needs to put a complete game together where he completely commands the offense and shows the player people make him out to be.
That has to change in conference play. Against teams like Georgia Tech, Florida State, and others in the ACC, field goals won’t cut it. Clemson needs to find an offensive rhythm, whether it’s leaning on the run game or letting the young receivers open things up.
Defense Showing Strength, but Not Perfect
Tom Allen’s defense has been the backbone of the team, bringing intensity and toughness. Linebackers Sammy Brown, Wade Woodaz, and safety Ronan Hanafin have been everywhere, and the front four continues to get better and be disruptive. But even this group has had some lapses.
Big plays have slipped through at times, whether it’s chunk yardage in the run game or opponents finding soft spots in the secondary. The unit has kept Clemson in both games so far, but if the Tigers want to run the table in the ACC, the defense will have to be not just good, but dominant and that means tightening up those lapses.
Special Teams Showing Positives
Another area that shouldn’t be overlooked is special teams. The Tigers have been consistent in the kicking game so far, with Nolan Hauser being three for four on the year with a long of 42 yards this season. Punter Jack Smith has also stepped it up helping the Tigers flip the field in punting situations averaging 44.5 yards per punt in the last two games.
On Sunday night’s teleconference with head coach Dabo Swinney he said, “Two games in a row our special teams have done a lot of good things. Two good games in a row for Jack Smith. He had a 50-plus yarder and a sky punt to the seven-yard line. A couple of field goals and our protection has been good. Our field goal blocks, we’re getting some pressure. And we stopped a fake.” Swinney would also go on to say after Saturday night’s game against Troy, “”The quiet positive in two games is our special teams.”
Definitely a good sign for a Clemson team who hasn’t always shined the brightest on special teams the past couple of seasons.
The Road Ahead for Clemson
The next ten games will define Clemson’s season:
@ Georgia Tech – A tricky road test right out of the gate.
vs Syracuse – A team that has given the Tigers fits in the past no matter the venue.
@ UNC – Chapel Hill is never an easy place to play.
@ Boston College – Never know what you’re going to get out of the Eagles.
vs SMU – Looking to get their revenge from last year’s ACC title game.
vs Duke – A Manny Diaz coached team that looks to cause some havoc.
vs Florida State – The Seminoles are hitting on all cylinders right now.
@ Louisville – Always a tough environment late in the season especially on a Friday night.
vs Furman – A breather before rivalry week.
@ South Carolina – Bragging rights on the line against the Gamecocks.
The schedule has just enough landmines to punish a team not playing its best football. For Clemson, the message is simple: step it up or risk falling fast and hard.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Tigers don’t lack talent. What they’ve lacked so far is sharpness, confidence, and the ability to finish drives. Add in some defensive lapses, and it’s clear Clemson isn’t firing on all cylinders yet.
Dabo Swinney often reminds his team that “best is the standard.” Through two games, Clemson hasn’t met that standard. But the season is young, and the opportunity to make a statement starts this weekend in Atlanta against Georgia Tech.
It’s time for the Tigers to prove they’re ready for the fight ahead.
