Clemson’s Rocky Start to the 2025 Season

Things are looking pretty interesting for Clemson right now.

The Tigers entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations after earning a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoffs. With starting quarterback Cade Klubnik back in the lineup, they also brought in a strong recruiting class and secured a fourth-place spot in the Associated Press preseason poll. Everything seemed set for head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers to have a spectacular season.

Fast forward to mid-September, and the Tigers find themselves in a rough 1-2 hole, making the path to the College Football Playoff seem daunting again.

The season opener against a strong LSU team ended in defeat, which many fans might have brushed off. But then came the game against Troy. While they won 27-16, the first half was a struggle, and they were down 16-3 at halftime. How did they end up in such a mess? It was like they were caught off guard or something.

And unfortunately, things didn’t get much better against Georgia Tech.

Just like in the Troy game, Clemson fell behind early, this time 13-0 against the Yellow Jackets. They managed to regain some ground, going into halftime with a 13-7 deficit. Although they took a brief 14-13 lead later, Georgia Tech responded with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. With only three minutes left, the Tigers had to scramble to tie it.

But then came the kicker. Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr nailed a 55-yard field goal that left Clemson reeling.

The question now is, what happens to Dabo Swinney? It’s hard to envision him leaving Clemson, but as losses mount and the program’s previously strong reputation begins to fade, one has to wonder if the university might reconsider its future with him. In today’s world of big-money college athletics, maintaining that competitive edge is essential.

It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as the season unfolds. Keep this in mind the next time Clemson falls short.