Are the Clemson Tigers gearing up to set the college football world on fire this year? The Clemson faithful, and many college football experts around the country believe this could be the year Clemson football gets back to where they were in the mid 2010’s to 2020. The current over/under win total for the Clemson Tigers is 9.5 games (over -170; under +140). With the lower odds favoring the over in a big way, oddsmakers too believe in a strong showing for Clemson in 2025.
Reasons for the Over
After coming off of a 9 win regular season in 2024, the Tigers are looking to take the next step. The 2025 roster is going to be very much similar to the one in 2024, which is a rarity in today’s college football landscape, with 16 total starters returning including 8 on both offense and defense (~72%). Most notably, senior quarterback Cade Klubnik will be poised to start his 3rd season for the team, and has the 3rd shortest odds at winning the Heisman (+1000 per Draftkings). Last season Clemson had the 19th best scoring offense, recording 33.5 points per game, and recorded 443.8 yards per game which was 12th in the FBS. One of the greatest benefits of maintaining a similar roster, is more likely than not players are on the same page, and this can be reflected in the turnover margin from last season, where Clemson recorded a +1.2 turnover margin (3rd in FBS). On that same note, Clemson averaged 0.03 penalties per play, which was 14th in FBS last season.
Reasons for the under
The under can certainly be enticing at +140, and Clemson does have tough games on the schedule. They kick off the season at home against the LSU Tigers, and this game can really go either way, though Clemson is currently favored by 3 points. Georgia Tech on the road is no cake walk either, and could be a game that can slip away from Clemson if they’re not prepared. In the last 3 weeks of the regular season Clemson has to travel to Louisville and South Carolina, which will be 2 big road tests, and obviously a huge rivalry game at South Carolina. The Gamecocks did win this huge rivalry game last year, and will be returning their starting QB as well in LaNorris Sellers.
Last season, the defense was somewhat of a negative for the Clemson team. They allowed 4.6 yards per rush (90th in FBS), and allowed 222.3 pass yards per game (66th in FBS). If Clemson allows this kind of production for other teams, this will likely result in a fluky loss, potentially ruining their chances of winning the 10 games they need to cover.
Coaching Staff
Clemson will be led by legendary coach Dabo Swinney for a 14th season. If there’s anyone who knows how to handle a highly regarded team it is coach Swinney, but we have yet to see him with a team that can do damage in the NIL and 12 team playoff era. Swinney will be accompanied by offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, who is entering his 3rd year with the team, as well as new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. Riley has been at Clemson since Cade Klubnicks first year as the starter, and the offense has improved each year since he has been there, and we will see if this trend can continue. The big question mark is obviously with Tom Allen, who is said to be a “great leader of men” according to coach Swinney. They will certainly need that tough minded personality if they truly want to be contenders, and exceed the 10 win mark.
Concluding thoughts
It is certainly an exciting time for the Clemson football program, and a 9.5-win total presents a compelling opportunity for bettors. If you believe in the continuity that Clemson football has built around the last few seasons, and in their strong offensive identity, then the over is the way to go. If, however, you think last year’s defensive issues will resurface, the under at +140 offers great value.
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