ESPN analyst Greg McElroy ranked the top 10 defenses in college football entering the 2025 season.
McElroy slotted Clemson at No. 10 on his list, but says it was hard not to put the Tigers in the top five.
“I think they’re going to be really, really strong [across the board,]” McElroy said. “I love their personnel that returns. I love the possible jump that you might get from Sammy Brown in his second full season. I love the addition of Tom Allen and the scheme that he’s going to be bringing to Clemson.
“This should be one of the best groups in the country, and frankly, not having them in the top five was tough.