ESPN’s Heather Dinich has shared her updated College Football Playoff predictions (subscription required) as the season heads into Week 3, and while Clemson isn’t in the top playoff contenders yet, the Tigers are still very much in the conversation. After a disappointing opening loss to Georgia, Clemson bounced back in Week 2 with a dominant 66-20 win over Appalachian State. However, Dinich currently lists Clemson (1-1) as one of the first four teams on the outside looking in, in her latest “CFP Bubble Watch.”
Dinich notes that while Clemson hasn’t shown they’re on the same level as Georgia, they remain a strong contender in the ACC. ESPN Analytics backs that up, giving Clemson a 27.5% chance to win the conference, ranking them above Louisville and Miami. Dinich points to Clemson’s performance as enough to keep them in the playoff discussion, with their next few games critical in determining whether they can elevate themselves into serious contention. Missouri, Kansas State, and Utah join Clemson as the first four teams out of the playoff mix.
Dinich’s current projection for the 12-team playoff includes Georgia, Ohio State, Miami, and Oklahoma State as the top four seeds, each receiving first-round byes. This year’s expanded playoff field, with 12 teams, gives more opportunities for teams like Clemson to fight their way back into the race. After missing the CFP the past three seasons, the Tigers will need to maintain their momentum and prove they belong among the elite if they hope to return to the playoff stage later this year.