Clemson's offensive, defensive rankings in EA's College Football 26 revealed

USA Today

28-06-2025

Clemson fans looking forward to EA Sports College Football 25 should have plenty to smile about when they fire up the game.
In the latest round of team ratings, EA Sports has Clemson starting the year ranked No. 7 overall with an 88 team rating. That's thanks to a balanced roster that boasts the fifth-best offense in the game (89) and a top-10 defense (No. 10, 90).
On top of that, Memorial Stadium will be one of the toughest places to play in the virtual world — EA previously ranked Death Valley as the sixth-hardest environment in the game, giving the Tigers a solid home-field boost when you're trying to protect a lead or swing momentum.
Clemson's in-game schedule won't be a cakewalk, either. Right out of the gates, players will face No. 10 LSU, who comes in with an 86 team rating and strong balance themselves — the Tigers from Baton Rouge have the No. 6 offense and No. 8 defense.
Other ranked matchups on Clemson's slate include SMU (No. 19 overall, 84 team rating, No. 15 offense), Duke (No. 23 overall, 84, No. 16 defense) and South Carolina (No. 24 overall, 82, No. 25 offense and No. 22 defense).
The full Top 25 has Alabama leading the pack at 89 overall, followed by a cluster of contenders like Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Georgia — all tied with an 88 overall rating alongside Clemson and Texas A&M.
On offense, only Texas, Penn State, Ohio State and Arizona State are rated higher than Clemson's 89. Defensively, only nine teams in the game have a better unit than the Tigers, with Alabama leading that group at a stout 96.
All told, Clemson is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded teams in the game — which should make them an entertaining pick for fans eager to chase a virtual national title this season.
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