In an offseason full of uncertainty and transfer portal turbulence, one of college football’s most respected voices is making a bold, headline-grabbing prediction – and it centers around Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers.
Josh Pate of CBS Sports has released his updated post-spring Top 20 rankings, and sitting at the very top is a name few expected: Clemson.
While many analysts are going with powers like Texas, Alabama, Ohio State, and Penn State, Pate is planting his No. 1 flag with the Tigers.
His reasoning? Continuity and leadership – something he says is in dangerously short supply across the college football landscape.
Responding to a fan questioning Clemson’s top billing on X, Pate didn’t hold back: “Well because they return QB/OC/DC/HC combo, have their best WR room in years, and feature NFL talent at every level of the defense,” he wrote.
In a world where rosters are being rebuilt overnight via the transfer portal, Clemson is doubling down on stability.
Swinney’s program returns its core leadership – including quarterback Cade Klubnik, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, and, of course, Swinney himself.
“They return the most production in the FBS from last season,” Pate added. “Dabo Swinney’s approach to the portal might get mocked, but it’s paying off.”
While other programs have leaned heavily on transfer market reinforcements, Swinney has remained committed to in-house development and a long-term culture – a strategy Pate clearly believes could pay championship-level dividends this season.
The Tigers, fresh off an ACC title and College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, now enter the 2025 season with high expectations and a roster loaded with experience.
Clemson’s wide receiver corps, long considered a weak point in recent years, has reportedly reloaded to its strongest form in nearly a decade.
With defensive talent projected to go early in the next NFL Draft and a returning coaching staff that knows how to win in big moments, Pate believes Clemson is positioned as college football’s best bet for sustained success.
Most importantly, quarterback Cade Klubnik will enter the season as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
Beyond Clemson, Pate’s full list has generated no shortage of buzz. Notably, Georgia slides to No. 11, while defending national champion Ohio State sits at No. 8.
Here’s how the full Top 20 rankings look…
- Clemson
- Texas
- Penn State
- Alabama
- LSU
- Notre Dame
- Oregon
- Ohio State
- Florida
- Oklahoma
- Georgia
- Miami
- Arizona State
- Texas A&M
- Illinois
- Ole Miss
- Georgia Tech
- South Carolina
- Michigan
- Texas Tech
Clemson may not have made the most noise in the transfer portal this offseason, but according to Pate, that’s precisely why they’re poised to make the most noise on the field.
In a sport increasingly dominated by quick fixes and roster shuffling, Clemson’s old-school approach to roster building could be the new blueprint for winning.
What are your thoughts on Pate ranking Dabo’s Tigers as the best team in all of college football???
