To be an overachiever, you have to be an over believer.
– Dabo Swinney, football coach
CLEMSON TIGERS
2024 was the year that Clemson QB Cade Klubnik adopted the moniker of the ‘Seven TD Daddy’ after a truly scandalous performance vs. App State in week two. It wasn’t a one-hit wonder. He scored over 25 points seven more times during the season, getting it done in the air and on the ground.
This was a pleasant surprise but not a rare progression in CFF. Young QBs often make huge strides in their second year of starting, which was certainly the case with Klubnik. A weak schedule also doesn’t hurt, but the good news is Clemson has another soft ACC schedule in 2025.
The offense will lose its stalwart at RB, Phil Mafah, and likely replace him with a two-headed monster in David Eziomume and Keith Adams. Neither player has been used as a receiver so far in their young careers at Clemson.
Like many of the offenses featured in this article series, the WR room is where the juice is. Two rising sophomores looked excellent in their freshman seasons: TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco. Each player was a high four-star/five-star, depending on the service coming out of high school.
What’s more, 2023 breakout freshman Tyler Brown remains in the room, as does 2024’s lead receiver Antonio Williams. And, of course, we can’t forget about the ever-elusive Adam Randall, who has yet to develop into the star that was promised but does provide a physical presence in the room.
The TE room will see some change as longtime, reliable target Jake Briningstool is headed to the NFL. This is welcome news to me, especially because it feels like every time I played a team rostering this scoundrel in CFF, he had a 20+ point performance (cough, cough, Eric Froton in my home league).
Olsen Patt-Henry and Josh Sapp will vie for the starting role, and given Briningstool’s usage last year (76 targets, over 500 yards receiving, seven scores), this will be a room worth monitoring, especially with a returning starter at QB.
I see Klubnik being another strong QB asset in CFF in 2025. At WR, the room is crowded, so it’s hard to say if there will be one or two WRs who are consistently great all season. The first four WRs mentioned above should all have their moments in 2025. Williams is the most productive returning player and is the safe bet as the first WR to draft from this room in re-draft formats. I’d probably take a chance on Moore or Wesco next if I’m drafting another one.
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