Following Clemson football’s 38-24 loss to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff, ACC Network analyst and former Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel shared his optimistic outlook for the Tigers’ 2025 season.
Manuel highlighted Clemson’s returning talent and the valuable lessons gained from a 2024 campaign that included a 10-4 record, an ACC title, and a College Football Playoff appearance.
“You know what it is, too, that’s beyond the jump in Cade’s mind as development and confidence – it’s also proven to his teammates, too. They know he’s the alpha now,” Manuel said of junior quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Manuel believes the pieces are in place for Clemson to do something special next year. “The fact that they got a taste of the CFP and this 12-team format – sure, they didn’t come out of the first round, but now they see what it takes… I think that’s something that can be special for the 2025 season,” he said.
Clemson’s consistent success under head coach Dabo Swinney continues to fuel optimism, and Manuel sees the Tigers as primed for another strong campaign in 2025. “Sometimes you have to take these losses and use them as lessons. Next year, use this in your benefit,” Manuel added.
The Tigers have a lot of work to do, but they are trending in a better direction than previous seasons.