CBS Sports highlights Clemson’s run game as what the Tigers must address for success in 2025.

For decades, Clemson football has been defined by explosive offenses, championship-caliber teams, and dynamic playmakers. However, as the Tigers look ahead to the 2025 season, one critical area stands out as the foundation for their success: the running game. CBS Sports recently highlighted Clemson’s ground attack as the most important factor the Tigers must address to compete at the highest level. While the program has produced elite quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive stars in recent years, a dominant rushing offense could be the difference between a good season and a championship run.

In an era where spread offenses and high-flying passing attacks dominate headlines, the value of a physical, efficient running game cannot be overstated. Teams like Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama have consistently proven that a balanced offensive approach—one that can control the clock, wear down defenses, and open up play-action opportunities—is essential for winning championships. Clemson’s own title runs in 2016 and 2018 were fueled by powerful rushing attacks that complemented their star quarterbacks.

A strong run game does more than just accumulate yards—it dictates tempo, keeps the defense honest, and reduces pressure on the quarterback. For Clemson, which may be breaking in a new starting QB in 2025 (depending on whether Cade Klubnik takes another step forward or a younger player emerges), establishing the run early will be crucial. Additionally, in critical late-game situations, the ability to grind out first downs and salt away victories separates elite teams from the rest.

While Clemson has remained competitive in the ACC, its rushing attack has not been as dominant as in years past. In 2023, the Tigers ranked just 58th nationally in rushing offense, averaging 156 yards per game—a far cry from the 2018 and 2019 units that routinely eclipsed 200 yards. Last season showed slight improvement, but inconsistency in the offensive line and a lack of a true bell-cow running back limited their ceiling.

Part of the issue has been turnover on the offensive line. Clemson has recruited well in the trenches, but injuries and developmental delays have prevented the unit from gelling as it did during the peak years of the Dabo Swinney era. Additionally, the Tigers have cycled through multiple running backs without settling on a true workhorse. Will Shipley’s departure to the NFL leaves a void, and while Phil Mafah has shown flashes, he has yet to prove he can carry the load for an entire season against top-tier defenses.

Phil Mafah is the most experienced returning back, and his physical, downhill running style could make him the focal point of the offense. At 6’1”, 230 pounds, Mafah has the size to wear down defenses, but his ability to break big plays will determine whether he becomes an All-ACC caliber back or merely a solid contributor. Behind him, Clemson has intriguing young talent, including five-star recruit David Eziomume and sophomore Keith Adams Jr. Both possess explosiveness that could add a new dimension to the ground game.

However, potential alone doesn’t win games. The Tigers must identify a clear RB1 early in the season and commit to feeding him consistently. Too often in recent years, Clemson has rotated backs without establishing rhythm, leading to stagnant offensive performances. A more defined pecking order could help the run game find its identity.

No matter how talented the running backs are, they won’t succeed without a strong offensive line. Clemson’s front five has been a mixed bag in recent seasons, showing flashes of dominance but also struggling against elite defensive fronts (as seen in losses to Georgia, Notre Dame, and Florida State). For 2025, the Tigers return several key pieces, including tackle Blake Miller and guard Marcus Tate, but they must replace All-ACC center Will Putnam.

The development of younger linemen like Harris Sewell and Ian Reed will be critical. If Clemson can build a cohesive, physical unit that excels in run blocking, the entire offense will benefit. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley must prioritize establishing the line of scrimmage early in games, allowing the Tigers to control tempo and keep defenses guessing.

A reliable rushing attack does more than just move the chains—it makes every other aspect of the offense more dangerous. Play-action passing becomes exponentially more effective when defenses are forced to respect the run. For a quarterback like Cade Klubnik (or his successor), having a strong ground game alleviates pressure and creates easier throws downfield.

Additionally, Clemson’s receiving corps, while talented, lacks a proven superstar following the departures of players like Beaux Collins and Antonio Williams. A potent run game would allow the Tigers to ease their young receivers into bigger roles without asking them to carry the offense.

Defensively, a ball-control rushing attack keeps Clemson’s own defense fresh—a critical factor in close games. The Tigers have long prided themselves on having one of the nation’s best defenses, but in recent years, the unit has been forced to carry too much of the load. Sustaining longer drives via the run game would keep the defense off the field and prevent late-game fatigue.

Looking back at Clemson’s most successful seasons, the common thread is a powerful rushing attack. The 2016 national championship team had Wayne Gallman, who rushed for over 1,100 yards and set the tone for Deshaun Watson’s heroics. The 2018 title team featured Travis Etienne, who exploded for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns, taking pressure off Trevor Lawrence in his freshman year. Even in 2019 and 2020, when the Tigers were led by Lawrence, Etienne’s presence as a dual-threat back kept defenses from keying in on the pass.

If Clemson wants to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025, it must rediscover that formula. The Tigers don’t necessarily need a 1,500-yard rusher, but they do need a back (or a committee) that can reliably gain four to five yards per carry, convert short-yardage situations, and break the occasional big play.

Clemson’s ceiling in 2025 hinges on its ability to run the football effectively. While the Tigers have talent at quarterback, receiver, and across the defense, a dominant ground game would tie everything together, making them a legitimate national contender. If the offensive line gels, a lead back emerges, and the coaching staff commits to a physical identity, Clemson could return to the forefront of college football.

If not, the Tigers risk another season of offensive inconsistency, leaving their defense to carry too much weight and falling short against elite competition. The blueprint for success is clear—now it’s up to Dabo Swinney and his staff to execute. The run game isn’t just a piece of the puzzle; it’s the engine that can drive Clemson back to championship glory.