Prominent Analyst David Pollack Says 2025 Clemson Tigers Have the Championship DNA to Win the College Football Playoff

There’s a certain kind of anticipation surrounding Clemson football this year that hasn’t been felt since the Tigers were perennial national championship contenders under Dabo Swinney. While the past couple of seasons have fallen short of those expectations, 2025 feels different. At least, that’s the word from David Pollack, one of college football’s most respected analysts and a former star linebacker himself.

Pollack, who spent years breaking down top-tier programs on ESPN’s College GameDay, has recently gone on record to say that this year’s Clemson team “absolutely has championship DNA.” It’s a bold proclamation in an era where Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and now Texas and Washington have carved out real estate in the upper echelon of the College Football Playoff landscape. But when Pollack speaks, people in college football listen.

“Everything you want from a championship team—Clemson has it,” Pollack said during a recent media appearance. “There’s leadership, there’s returning talent, there’s coaching pedigree, and more importantly, there’s hunger. I see a team that’s learned from adversity and is ready to flip the script.”

Pollack’s comments have poured new fuel onto the fire of excitement burning in upstate South Carolina. The Tigers have quietly built what may be their most balanced roster in years. After a 10-3 season in 2024 that ended with a win in the Orange Bowl, Clemson returned a bevy of key contributors on both sides of the ball. Many of the young players who gained crucial experience last season are now expected to be difference-makers.

At the heart of it all is quarterback Cade Klubnik. After an up-and-down 2023 campaign, Klubnik made major strides last season. While he may not yet be in the same category as Trevor Lawrence or Deshaun Watson, he’s grown into a savvy field general who thrives in Garrett Riley’s offensive system. Pollack praised Klubnik’s evolution, saying, “He’s more poised, more confident, and more in control. He’s not just managing the game anymore—he’s starting to take it over.”

Alongside Klubnik is one of the deepest backfields in the country. Phil Mafah has emerged as a bell-cow back, capable of wearing down defenses late in games. The offensive line, once a sore spot for the Tigers, now returns four starters and boasts real depth—a factor Pollack says is “non-negotiable” in a championship run.

But the true source of Clemson’s optimism lies on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin has crafted a unit that’s physical, aggressive, and stacked with elite athletes. The front seven, anchored by standout linebacker Barrett Carter and defensive tackle Peter Woods, is expected to dominate the trenches. Carter, in particular, has received preseason All-America recognition and is being projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick.

Pollack singled out the defense as Clemson’s strongest asset. “That front seven is scary,” he said. “You win championships by controlling the line of scrimmage, and Clemson is built to do just that. Woods is unblockable, Carter is everywhere, and they rotate so many guys that you stay fresh even in the fourth quarter.”

The secondary has been fortified as well. Nate Wiggins’ departure to the NFL left a hole, but sophomores like Shelton Lewis and rising star Avieon Terrell are stepping into larger roles. Pollack highlighted Terrell’s potential, noting that “his instincts and ball skills are elite. He’s going to be a problem for opposing quarterbacks.”

So what separates this Clemson team from the squads of the last few years that fell short? Pollack says it’s the mentality. “There’s a chip on their shoulder now. People stopped talking about Clemson as an elite team. That motivates them,” he said. “When you combine talent with that kind of hunger, that’s when special things happen.”

There’s evidence to support that claim. Swinney, often criticized in recent years for his reluctance to use the transfer portal, has begun to adapt. Clemson landed a few experienced players this offseason who should immediately contribute—something that was previously missing from their roster management strategy. The infusion of veteran presence and leadership in key positions could prove pivotal.

Still, the road to the Playoff won’t be easy. Clemson faces a tough schedule that includes early tests against Georgia in the season opener and a trip to Tallahassee to face Florida State. There’s also a November matchup with Notre Dame and the always-emotional rivalry game against South Carolina. But Pollack believes that those challenges will actually benefit the Tigers.

“You don’t want a cupcake schedule. You want to be battle-tested,” Pollack said. “If Clemson comes out of September 3–1 or better, they’re going to be a serious contender. Those games will sharpen them for the postseason.”

Dabo Swinney’s role in all of this can’t be overstated. After being one of the most polarizing figures in college football over the past few seasons—due in large part to his comments on NIL, the transfer portal, and changes in the sport—Swinney has recalibrated. His message this spring has been clear: Clemson is ready to climb back to the top, and he’s ready to lead them there.

Pollack believes Swinney is more motivated than ever. “You can’t count Dabo out. He’s won two national titles and built Clemson from a mid-tier program into a powerhouse. He knows what it takes, and he still has the fire,” he said. “This is a coach who’s never satisfied.”

In a college football world that’s constantly shifting, Clemson’s ability to maintain a consistent identity while adapting to the new landscape may be their biggest strength. While schools like USC, Oregon, and Texas are riding the waves of splashy transfers and NIL deals, Clemson’s built on development, culture, and continuity. Pollack respects that—and thinks it could be the difference.

“Everyone’s chasing instant success now, but Clemson plays the long game,” he said. “That culture in the locker room, that’s what gets you through the tough games in November and December. That’s what makes you a champion.”

Recruiting has also been on an uptick. Clemson’s 2025 class is currently ranked among the top 10 nationally, with several prospects already enrolled early and participating in spring ball. That kind of talent pipeline ensures that even as stars move on, there’s always another wave of impact players waiting.

Pollack noted how crucial depth is, particularly in the playoff era. “You’re going to need three or four receivers who can hurt you. Two backs. A whole rotation on the defensive line. That’s the new standard, and Clemson is meeting it.”

Even special teams—a frequently overlooked aspect—appear to be in strong shape. Kicker Robert Gunn III has shown improvement and consistency, while punter Aidan Swanson provides a reliable leg for field position battles.

While Pollack’s belief in Clemson might raise eyebrows for those who’ve written the Tigers off as yesterday’s news, the logic behind his confidence is compelling. This isn’t about hype. It’s about a program that’s quietly reloading with purpose, bringing back veterans, adding new wrinkles, and embracing the underdog mindset.

Clemson fans can feel it. The program’s spring game drew a massive crowd. The players are talking openly about their goals. There’s no pretending this is a rebuilding year—it’s a revenge tour. After a few years in the shadows, the Tigers are out to remind the college football world that they never left.

For Pollack, it all adds up. “Championship DNA isn’t just talent. It’s mindset. It’s resilience. It’s knowing how to win when the moment comes. Clemson has that. Again.”

As the 2025 season approaches, Clemson won’t enter as the preseason No. 1. They might not even crack the top four in some polls. But inside the program—and among analysts like David Pollack—the belief is unwavering.

And if there’s one thing history has shown, it’s that Clemson tends to shine brightest when nobody sees them coming.