A Historic Omission
Clemson’s absence from the AP preseason Top 25 marks the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have been left out of the rankings, a milestone that underscores the program’s recent downturn after a 7‑6 record in 2023.
The team garnered the most voting points among all unranked squads, finishing only five points shy of No. 25 Missouri, yet the margin was insufficient to break into the 25‑team field.
Offensive shortcomings defined the previous season, with the Tigers ranking near the bottom of the ACC on third‑down conversions, a statistic that contributed to the overall inefficiency on that side of the ball.
The return of offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who previously guided the Tigers from 2011 to 2014, is viewed as a potential catalyst for reviving the ground game and improving scoring efficiency.
Defensively, coordinator Tom Allen’s second year is expected to bring added confidence and cohesion after a lackluster performance in 2023, when the unit struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Clemson’s opening marquee matchup will be against No. 11 LSU, a game that will serve as an early barometer for the Tigers’ ability to climb back into contention.
The preseason poll reflects the dominance of power conferences, with nine SEC teams and eight Big Ten programs cracking the Top 25, while no Group of Six schools earned a spot despite recent playoff appearances by Tulane and James Madison.
Boise State, now competing in the Pac‑12, emerged as the top vote‑getter among Group of Six teams outside the rankings, highlighting the competitive balance across conferences.
Other storylines feature new coaches at traditionally strong programs, including Mississippi’s Pete Golding, who inherits high expectations after a strong recruiting class, and LSU, which aims to recapture the momentum of its 2019 CFP semifinal run.
Penn State, slated at No. 18, will lean on transfers brought in under Matt Campbell, while Utah’s return of quarterback Devon Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker offers a glimpse of potential, though the team will be without many starters from an 11‑2 season under Morgan Scalley.