Where Clemson Landed in This National Outlet’s Preseason Rankings

Preseason college football rankings continue to roll out, with the 2024 campaign set to kick off this weekend.

USA TODAY Sports re-ranked every FBS team entering the season, and Clemson (9-4, 4-4 ACC in 2023) cracked the top 10.

The Tigers came in at No. 8 in the USA TODAY preseason NCAA Re-Rank 1-134 — the highest-ranked ACC team, ahead of defending conference champion Florida State (No. 11).

Other ACC teams in the top 25 of the USA TODAY preseason rankings include NC State (No. 17), Louisville (No. 18) and Virginia Tech (No. 20). Miami (No. 26) just missed the top 25.

Georgia is the No. 1 overall team in the rankings, with Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and Alabama rounding out the top five.

The Tigers’ season opener against the Bulldogs is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium (12 p.m., ABC).

Georgia is the No. 1 team in both the preseason AP Top 25 and preseason Coaches Poll , while Clemson is ranked No. 14 in both polls.

USA TODAY recently pegged the matchup as one of the top 10 non-conference games in 2024.

“The second season-opening meeting in four years between the two heavyweights shouldn’t follow the same script as the 2021 matchup, an ugly 10-3 Georgia win that laid bare Clemson’s deep-seeded offensive woes,” USA TODAY’s Paul Myerberg wrote. “Look for the Tigers to improve thanks to increased experience in Garrett Riley’s scheme and the projected development of returning starter Cade Klubnik at quarterback. The Bulldogs will remain very difficult to unseat as the early favorite for the national title, especially with the game being played in a friendly Mercedes-Benz Stadium environment.”

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!