ACC Betting Preview: Is Clemson Built for a Championship?

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Clemson Tigers are once again in the spotlight as the ACC favorites. With Cade Klubnik entering his third year as the starting quarterback, the Tigers are poised for a strong season. However, questions remain about their ability to secure a national championship.

The Strengths of Clemson Tigers

1. Offensive Continuity and Chemistry Klubnik, coming off a season where he threw the third-most passing touchdowns in the country, is expected to lead a potent offense. The return of four starting offensive linemen and top receivers Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore ensures continuity and chemistry.

2. Defensive Optimism New defensive coordinator Tom Allen brings 30 years of experience and a history of building disciplined defenses. The front four, led by T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, is expected to be one of the most disruptive in the ACC.

3. Favorable Schedule Clemson’s schedule is highly favorable, avoiding major Big Ten or SEC challenges. Victories against LSU and South Carolina could pave the way for an undefeated season.

The Challenges Ahead

1. Defensive Concerns Despite the optimism, Clemson’s defense ranked 51st in success rate allowed and 64th in yards allowed per play last season. The secondary lacks proven depth, and the linebacker corps, while solid, is not elite.

2. Lack of Big-Play Punch Offensively, the Tigers ranked 80th in yards per successful dropback. Klubnik’s efficiency is notable, but the team needs more deep shots to compete with the best.

Other ACC Predictions

Louisville Cardinals Predicted to go UNDER 8.5 regular-season wins (+120). The Cardinals face defensive challenges and rely on USC transfer quarterback Miller Moss to adapt quickly.

Syracuse Orange Predicted to go UNDER 5.5 regular-season wins (-190). Syracuse lost key players and faces a tough schedule, making wins hard to come by.

ACC Odds Overview

In conclusion, while the Clemson Tigers are strong contenders for the ACC title and a playoff berth, their path to a national championship remains uncertain. Betting insights suggest cautious optimism, with other ACC teams like Louisville and Syracuse facing significant challenges.