The Clemson Tigers' magical 2015-16 run ended just a touchdown short in a 45-40 National Championship Game loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, there's no need for despair. While we won't spoil the below rankings, we will say that you'll be EXTREMELY PLEASED as we take a look at the 2016 Preseason Rankings: See Where Clemson Is Ranked In 7 Way-Too-Early Polls.
Chat Sports (#1)
"Win or lose against Alabama in the title game, Clemson should be the favorites for next season. QB Deshaun Watson will be back as will RB Wayne Gallman. The team loses just six starters, although that could be more like eight if a few players turn pro. Even if that happens, Clemson is going to be sitting pretty next year." -- Mike Spencer
USA Today (#1)
"The Tigers have a few holes to fill on defense, especially with several would-be senior starters contemplating the NFL draft. There remains enough in place for Clemson to defend its Atlantic Coast Conference title and complete another unbeaten regular season." -- Paul Myerberg
ESPN (#1)
"The Tigers look built to last, having won more than 10 games in each of the past five seasons and reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship this past season...With quarterback Deshaun Watson coming back, they'll have a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight season. Clemson's schedule will be more than manageable if it can survive a road game at Florida State." -- Mark Schlabach
CBS Sports (#1)
"Deshaun Watson is back as are seven other projected starters on an offense that set a school record for points. Depending on how many underclassmen declare for the NFL Draft, the Tigers should be salty on defense again, too. It will help -- as it did in 2015 -- to play an ACC schedule without much push back." -- Dennis Dodd
Sports Illustrated (#1)
"It likely comes as little solace after losing the national championship Monday night, but the Tigers are in the best position to return to the title game next season -- and win. Quarterback Deshaun Watson should be the early Heisman Trophy favorite, and he'll have a loaded group of receivers in Artavis Scott and Mike Williams, who missed nearly the entire season with a neck fracture." -- Colin Becht
FOX Sports (#1)
"The national runner-up's stock could fall depending the NFL decisions of several star underclassmen. But we know Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson will return at quarterback, as will top target Artavis Scott. Most of the Tigers’ formidable front seven returns as well." -- Stewart Mandel
Bleacher Report (#1)
"Clemson returns arguably the most valuable player in the nation, quarterback Deshaun Watson, who will be an early Heisman favorite in 2016. Redshirt sophomore running back Wayne Gallman is also likely to return, as is true sophomore receiver Artavis Scott. But Clemson isn't just returning the overwhelming majority of its offense, it's also adding to it." -- Ryan McCrystal