The Clemson Tigers finished the season with a 12-2 record, losing to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl 24-6. With quarterback Kelly Bryant and running back Travis Etienne returning, Clemson's offense should improve. The Tigers have one of the best-recruiting classes entering 2018 and will look to get back to the College Football Playoffs again. Here's how they rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
Chat Sports
Ranking: 2nd
Breakdown: "Clemson endured several major personnel losses last offseason and still finished the regular season as the No. 1 team in the country. All of those young players will be back with an extra year of experience. They should run through the ACC again and should very well be in the playoff - especially if quarterback Kelly Bryant improves as a passer."
USA TODAY
Ranking: 1st
Breakdown: "The Tigers aren’t going anywhere, as Dabo Swinney promised following the Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama. Swinney and his staff will bring back a senior starter at quarterback in Kelly Bryant, will again tout a deep stable of skill talent, will be stronger on the offensive front and will have a slight rebuild on defense behind star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Clemson will be the best team in the Atlantic Coast Conference and a heavy contender to recapture the national title. "
ESPN
Ranking: 2nd
Breakdown: "The Tigers lost their rubber match to Alabama, falling 24-6 in a CFP semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, which spoiled their chances of winning back-to-back national championships. But if we've learned anything the past three seasons, it's that Dabo Swinney's program is here to stay. Much of the Tigers' offense returns in 2018. One burning question: Can quarterback Kelly Bryant hold off incoming freshman Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pocket passer and No. 2 player overall in the ESPN 300? The Tigers might have to rebuild their defensive front if Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant turn pro, but they've signed two of the top five defensive linemen prospects in the 2018 class in Xavier Thomas and K.J. Henry."
Sporting News:
Ranking: 2nd
Breakdown: "Tom Herman returns after leading the Longhorns to a bowl win in his first season. Sam Ehlinger is a quarterback the program can build around. Texas lost to USC, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State by a combined 11 points; can the Longhorns close that gap next year?"
CBS
Ranking: 2nd
Breakdown: "Despite being a dud in the CFP this season, Clemson isn't going away. Brent Venables is back (forever?) with one of the nation's best defenses. Kelly Bryant can only get better at quarterback. "
Athlon Sports
Ranking: 2nd
Breakdown: "The Tigers should be favored to win their fourth consecutive ACC title next year. The offense will return nearly intact for coach Dabo Swinney, starting with quarterback Kelly Bryant and running backs Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne. While Bryant is the returning starter under center, five-star freshman Trevor Lawrence joins the mix this offseason. His progress will be a storyline to watch in offseason workouts, especially after the offense struggled in the Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama. Left tackle Mitch Hyatt anchors a line that must replace three starters on the interior. The receiving corps should be among the best in the nation with the return of Hunter Renfrow, Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud and Amari Rodgers. Under the play-calling of coordinator Brent Venables, the Tigers will once again rank among the best on defense in college football. However, Venables has a few voids to fill at each level. The line could lose ends Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant and tackle Christian Wilkins to the NFL. Linebacker Dorian O’Daniel departs after a standout senior campaign, and cornerback Ryan Carter also expires his eligibility. Tackle Dexter Lawrence, linebacker Kendall Joseph and cornerback Trayvon Mullen will be the leaders for next year’s defense. The schedule isn’t too daunting, but road trips to Texas A&M and Florida State are on tap next fall."
Yahoo Sports
Ranking: 3rd
Breakdown: "Kelly Bryant should only get better in his second season as a starter for the Tigers, who have recruited as well as anyone in the country over the past few seasons. WR Ray-Ray McCloud made the surprising decision to go pro over the weekend but Hunter Renfrow is back for what feels like his 15th season with the Tigers. Running backs Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne return too, along with defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and linebacker Tre Lamar. This team should be the overwhelming favorite in the ACC."
Sports Illustrated
Ranking: 3rd
Breakdown: "Clemson showed us all this season that losing Deshaun Watson was no reason to count it out, and even if one or two of its star D-linemen leave early for the NFL, Dabo Swinney’s team has the depth to remain among the country’s best."
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