Joel Klatt Backs ACC Program as Legitimate National Title Contender

Joel Klatt Backs ACC Program as Legitimate National Title Contender originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Coming off a strong but ultimately disappointing 2024 season that ended in a first round College Football Playoff loss to Texas, the Clemson Tigers are hungry for redemption.

Veteran college football analyst Joel Klatt recently offered a bold endorsement of the Tigers, citing three key players who could lead Clemson back into national title contention.

With defensive standouts Peter Woods and T.J. Parker alongside quarterback Cade Klubnik returning, Klatt believes coach Dabo Swinney could silence his doubters and elevate the Tigers back to college football's highest stage.

Klatt specifically praised Woods, a 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle, calling him “the best defensive tackle in the country.” Woods dominates the interior, stuffs the run and disrupts offenses consistently.

Parker, another defensive standout, racked up 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2024, cementing his status as one of college football’s premier pass rushers. Together, these two form arguably the nation's best defensive front.

On offense, Klubnik returns as a proven playmaker. The then-junior quarterback finished 2024 with 36 touchdown passes, seven rushing touchdowns and just six interceptions.

Now entering his third season under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik is positioned to not only lead Clemson offensively but also become a serious Heisman Trophy contender.

Why Dabo Swinney's Critics Might Be Proven Wrong in 2025

Despite whispers that Clemson has fallen behind due to Swinney's old-school methods, Klatt believes the longtime Tigers coach might get the last laugh.

Critics have argued that Swinney's reluctance to adopt transfer-heavy strategies has hindered Clemson's progress, but the returning talent pool suggests otherwise. With veterans like Woods and Parker anchoring an elite defense and Klubnik under center, Clemson's foundation remains rock-solid.

"I think Clemson could play for the National Championship. I think Dabo could have the last laugh."@joelklatt breaks down the impact of the three @ClemsonFB players in his Top 10 CFB Players in 2025- Peter Woods, T.J. Parker and Cade Klubnik 🐯 pic.twitter.com/bixpPYOE23

— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) July 31, 2025

Klatt emphasized that Clemson's success stems from strength "right down the middle," highlighting that their front-line talent and veteran experience at key positions are unmatched in the ACC.

This solid core positions them strongly against college football heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.

Can Cade Klubnik Lead Clemson to a National Championship?

Klubnik’s third year at quarterback represents Clemson’s best chance at reclaiming college football supremacy. With Riley orchestrating the offense for the third consecutive year, Klubnik benefits from continuity rarely seen in college football.

His impressive stats from 2024, including efficient ball security and dynamic playmaking, underscore his potential to emerge as the nation's best quarterback in 2025.

Klatt underscored Klubnik's resilience, especially praising his playoff performance against Texas despite the defeat. With four seasoned offensive linemen returning and a promising young running back group joining the offense, Klubnik is perfectly positioned for a standout season.

If Klubnik lives up to Klatt’s predictions, Clemson could indeed return to the College Football Playoff, proving Swinney’s approach and loyalty to his foundational principles still yield championship-level results.

The Tigers' talented core and a motivated coaching staff have set the stage for a dramatic resurgence this upcoming season. Clemson begins its regular season by hosting LSU on Aug. 30.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.