Clemson predicted early CFP exit by national outlet
Clemson predicted early CFP exit by national outlet
There are still five months until football season. And despite being in the middle of the recently named No. 5 Clemson Tigers' baseball season, it never hurts to take a break from the current sport to think about the next one up to bat, especially when it's about the College Football Playoff picture.
Brandon Marcello of 247Sports had the same thought, projecting the 2025 Playoffs. Not surprisingly, Clemson was among the 12 teams to make the cut. However, the Tigers make their way to No. 3, earning a first-round bye with the other top four seeds: Ohio State, Texas, and Utah.
In this way-too-early projection, Clemson would take on Notre Dame for the fifth time in six years. The Tigers hold the all-time winning record against the Irish, 5-3, but Marcello believes Notre Dame will close the gap, knocking Clemson out of the quarterfinal round.
While Clemson might've lucked into the CFP last season, not much stands in its way in 2025. The Tigers' toughest challenge may come at the beginning and end of the season against LSU and South Carolina, respectively. So, facing a more battle-tested team in Notre Dame may indeed spell the end for Clemson's 2025 season. But with the most returning production in college football, I wouldn't count the Tigers out so quick.
2025 CFP projections per 247Sports
First round
No. 12 Navy at No. 5 Penn State
No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Notre Dame
No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Alabama
No. 9 LSU at No. 8 Oregon
Quarterfinals
No. 6 Notre Dame vs. No. 3 Clemson, Orange Bowl
No. 5 Penn State vs. No. 4 Utah, Cotton Bowl
No. 7 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas, Sugar Bowl
No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 1 Ohio State, Rose Bowl
Semifinals
No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Penn State, Fiesta Bowl
No. 2 Texas vs. No. 6 Notre Dame, Peach Bowl
National Championship
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