After checking in at No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings on November 5, Clemson football made a small but important jump to No. 20 in the CFP rankings released on Tuesday. Though still looking in from the outside, this bump in position reflects the committee’s acknowledgment of Clemson’s competitive season and potential.
As ESPN’s Heather Dinich noted in her latest CFP “bubble watch” update (subscription required), Clemson remains one of the first four teams outside the playoff bracket. Dinich groups Clemson with Georgia (No. 12), SMU (No. 14), and Colorado (No. 17), reflecting the Tigers’ uphill path toward a playoff bid. While two losses to Louisville and Georgia are setbacks, both opponents are currently ranked teams. This improves Clemson’s standing in the committee’s view. As Dinich highlights, Clemson’s best shot to improve lies in the ACC race, where they could act as a “spoiler.” Wins over Pitt and No. 21 South Carolina would strengthen their record and serve as defining moments that capture the committee’s attention.
ESPN analytics suggest Clemson has a 19% chance to reach the ACC Championship Game, making each game crucial. Dinich also outlined how the CFP structure will work in the new 12-team setup, which grants berths to the five highest-ranked conference champions and the seven next-highest-ranked teams. The top four conference champions will get first-round byes, adding extra weight to Clemson’s ACC aspirations. With the Tigers rallying after a recent loss to Louisville and a decisive win at Virginia Tech, they now face Pitt on Saturday, a game with substantial playoff implications.
Clemson will need both wins and a little help from other teams to crack the Top 12. With Ole Miss and Boise State currently sitting in the last two spots, Clemson’s next games are critical in keeping their playoff hopes alive.