Clemson’s 2025 football campaign got off to a rough start, as the Tigers fell 51‑10 to LSU in their season opener. The lopsided score underscored a series of early‑season growing pains that manifested across both sides of the ball, prompting coaches and analysts to scrutinize individual performances and positional depth.
Key Takeaways from Week 1
Among the few bright spots, three transfers stood out. Jeremiah Alexander posted the highest PFF grade of 80.1 among Clemson’s linebackers, tallying seven tackles and a pass deflection while playing behind Kobe McCloud. Elliot Washington II, a Penn State transfer, contributed seven tackles and two pass breakups, earning the top cornerback grade on the team despite the loss. London Merritt, another incoming player, recorded a 73.7 PFF rating over 26 snaps, showcasing edge‑rushing potential with only two tackles.
Conversely, three players saw their stock decline. Offensive tackle Brayden Jacobs struggled against LSU’s aggressive front, surrendering sacks and tackles for loss due to missed assignments and technique lapses. Edge rusher Jahiem Lawson, matched against first‑round prospect Jordan Seaton, managed just two tackles and was largely invisible in the defensive scheme. Guard Ronan O’Connell posted the lowest offensive grade among the line, repeatedly allowing tackles for loss and sacks that further hampered Clemson’s run game.
The defeat also highlighted the Tigers’ reliance on transfers to plug gaps left by departing veterans such as Avieon Terrell, who has moved on to the NFL. With Sammy Brown still vying for a starting role, Jeremiah Alexander logged extra snaps at linebacker, illustrating how the depth chart is still being reshaped. The absence of a clear starter alongside Brown in Week 2 suggests the coaching staff is still evaluating personnel combinations.
LSU’s offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr., deliberately targeted Lawson’s side of the defensive line, a tactic that limited his impact and reinforced the need for more disciplined gap control. Overall, the game revealed both the promise of new talent and the urgency for refinement in technique and consistency as Clemson looks to bounce back in the coming weeks.