Joel Klatt Sends Warning Shot to College Football: “Don’t Sleep on Clemson”
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt is sounding the alarm to the rest of college football: Clemson is coming — and fast. In a recent segment, Klatt delivered a strong and clear message that the Tigers, after a few seasons outside the College Football Playoff spotlight, are primed for a resurgence in 2025.
“Clemson is being overlooked, and that’s a mistake,” Klatt said. “People have forgotten how dangerous this program can be when they have the right pieces. I’m telling you now — this is a team no one will want to face come November.”
Klatt’s comments come as Dabo Swinney’s program enters a crucial season. The Tigers have not returned to the playoff since 2020, and recent years have raised questions about whether Clemson’s dominance was a fleeting era or simply a brief down cycle. According to Klatt, it’s the latter.
“This is still a top-tier program with elite talent, a championship pedigree, and one of the best defensive minds in the game,” Klatt emphasized, referencing defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and the consistently strong Clemson defense. “And now, they’re building momentum again.”
Klatt also pointed to the development of sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik as a key reason for optimism. After a challenging transition in 2023, Klubnik showed steady growth and leadership late last season, and with another offseason of development under his belt, expectations are rising.
“The thing with Clemson is that their ceiling is as high as anyone’s,” Klatt continued. “They’ve got young talent maturing, a defense that can carry games, and a quarterback who’s ready to take that next step. This team has the DNA of a playoff contender.”
He also highlighted the Tigers’ strong recruiting pipeline, particularly their 2024 and 2025 classes, which include several blue-chip defensive players and offensive playmakers who fit Swinney’s system. In an era where transfer portal churn and coaching instability are common, Clemson’s stability — especially on defense — could be their biggest weapon.
While the national spotlight has shifted to programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, Klatt believes Clemson’s underdog status plays directly into their favor. “This is a proud program that has won national championships. They’re not used to being overlooked, and that chip on their shoulder? That’s dangerous.”
Klatt’s message to the rest of college football was clear: underestimate Clemson at your own risk. With a manageable ACC schedule, a more experienced roster, and a coach who thrives on proving doubters wrong, the Tigers are in prime position to crash the playoff conversation again.
“If they stay healthy and Klubnik takes that step forward,” Klatt concluded, “they can beat anybody.”
As fall approaches and preseason rankings take shape, one thing is clear — Joel Klatt sees something brewing in Death Valley. And if he’s right, college football fans should get ready for the return of the Clemson roar.
