Clemson, South Carolina Eye Playoff Amid High Hopes

Clemson and South Carolina enter the 2025 football season with their highest simultaneous preseason coaches poll rankings in over a decade, at No. 6 and No. 13 respectively. Clemson, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik and many returning starters, benefits from program stability under Dabo Swinney and a defense now guided by a new coordinator. South Carolina, coached by Shane Beamer, is considered a legitimate playoff contender, though SEC rivals Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and LSU are viewed as national frontrunners. Analysts are also watching Texas A&M as a potential surprise playoff candidate thanks to their dynamic offense. Both teams face strong expectations to convert preseason hype into results, and their pivotal season openers could shape their playoff prospects. Optimism remains high among fans and analysts as fall practices begin.