Where Clemson ranks in The Athletic’s Top 25, projected win total for the Tigers

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have an important 2024 season ahead of them. They are one of the programs in the country that needs the most success.

From a powerhouse that ran the ACC to a top team that’s struggled to keep up with the new wave of college football, Clemson has talent and potential. Still, they need to put it together in the NIL era of the game. That could change this season, but a few things will have to go the Tigers’ way.

Recently, The Athletic released their preseason rankings, including win total projections for each of the Top 25 teams (subscription required). In their Top 25, the Tigers ranked lower than usual at No. 19. I don’t agree with how low the Tigers land here.

There’s a strong chance the Tigers are a better team this season than they were last, and it seems people haven’t acknowledged that. A lot of returning talent and Clemson’s offense while they could be similar to last season, has an excellent opportunity to improve. There are a few teams I’d bump Clemson ahead of.

For the projected win total, it’s 8.2 wins for the Tigers, which also feels pretty low for the program. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing , though.

Clemson has thrived as the underdog in the Dabo Swinney era, and this team can prove that further.