CBS Sports Crowns Clemson the Nation's Most "High-Powered" Offense for 2025
CLEMSON, SC – Hold onto your hats, college football fans, because CBS Sports has just delivered the ultimate preseason hype, declaring Clemson football the No. 1 "high-powered" offense in the nation, "guaranteed to produce fireworks" in 2025! With a roster brimming with returning talent and a Heisman contender at the helm, it's hard to argue with the soaring expectations.
Advertisement
Clemson is bringing back virtually every major piece from last year's ACC title-winning squad that punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff. The undeniable centerpiece of this offensive juggernaut is quarterback Cade Klubnik. According to CBS, Klubnik has a "realistic shot at setting the league's single-season touchdown record" in his third campaign under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Klubnik's electrifying 2024 season saw him account for 43 total touchdowns (36 passing, 7 rushing), proving his dual-threat capabilities.
Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) and wide receiver Antonio Williams (0).Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images
That kind of production has Klubnik firmly entrenched in the early Heisman Trophy conversation – a trophy that has famously eluded Death Valley. If Klubnik can deliver on this promise, he could etch his name in program history. His ascent isn't just about college accolades either; he's already appearing in first-round projections for the 2026 NFL Draft alongside star wideout Antonio Williams.
Speaking of wideouts, CBS didn't hold back, labeling Clemson's pass-catching group as arguably the "best in the nation." They specifically highlighted a "better wideout trio than Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore." The Tigers even bolstered this "expansive wideout room" with transfer Tristan Smith from Southeast Missouri State, ensuring deep-ball threats and playmaking ability are abundant.
Advertisement
While the departure of bruising running back Phil Mafah (who rumbled for over 1,100 yards and eight scores in 2024) leaves a hole, the sheer offensive firepower surrounding Klubnik and his elite receiving corps has Clemson fans dreaming bigger than ever.
With Garrett Riley orchestrating the plays, a Heisman hopeful under center, and future NFL talent lighting up the skill positions, Clemson looks poised to explode onto scoreboards across the country. Get ready for a season of offensive fireworks as the Tigers launch another serious run at a national championship!
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LSU top NFL Draft prospect Garrett Nussmeier reveals key to denying transfer portal
The 2026 NFL Draft, at first glance, offers several enticing quarterback prospects, spanning different archetypes, journeys, and physical traits. No quarterback in this class has the athleticism of South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers. Texas' prodigal son, Arch Manning, has taken casual college football fans by storm. Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, and Penn State's Drew Allar should all make plays for Round 1, too. Among the Heisman hopefuls and potential first-round picks is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who had the opportunity to search for greener pastures after a 9-4 season kept the Tigers out of the College Football Playoff. Instead, he stayed home in Baton Rouge, opting to conclude his collegiate career where it started. Advertisement Nussmeier's loyalty stands out in NIL era There's nothing wrong with a prospect pivoting to a bigger school for a better shot at the NFL or a player maximizing their earnings in a sport known to end careers in a flash. But there's something satisfying about continuity and finishing what one started. Nussmeier has a chance to do that with the Tigers. Part of the reason why Nussmeier may have been convinced to stay was the talent waiting for him at LSU. Draftable talents at receiver like Nic Anderson and Aaron Anderson complement a strong defense, opening the door for a playoff run this winter. Nussmeier recently spoke with Yahoo Sports about keeping his focus on the Tigers, despite the temptations waiting for him in the college football offseason. Advertisement 'For me, I'm just focused on our team,' Nussmeier said. 'I'm focused on our team goals and I'm focused on being the best that I can be for my teammates. Obviously, you can't completely ignore all the outside noise. You're lying if you say that you don't hear it. So I definitely hear it. 'As I spoke about, our team with the expectations coming from within, I obviously have expectations for myself, as well. The way that I kind of straddle those and keep those in check is focusing on our team. My main goal is to help lead the LSU Tigers to a national championship and let the rest fall into place.' MORE: Arch Manning not a top-two CFB QB, insiders say Nussmeier will enter the year as one of the top quarterbacks in this class and a fairly comfortable first-round pick. With an entire season until the NFL Draft, he'll have to play well to maintain his stock. Still, there's reason to believe in his upside. Advertisement The son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier, LSU's senior passer has a good grasp of the offense and uses it to his advantage. He's a big-game hunter with a strong enough arm to capitalize on his aggression, even with an undersized (6'1", 200 pounds) frame. LSU knows what it has at the sport's most important position, throwing (and completing) more passes than any team in the SEC a season ago. His 12 interceptions also led the conference, although the rest of his production profile, including 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, helps offset those concerns. Continuity at quarterback is important, and with a top prospect under center, the Tigers are poised to find success in 2025. With a strong season, Nussmeier could follow Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels' footsteps and help establish LSU as a quarterback factory. MORE NCAA NEWS
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Arizona State Reacts to Big 12's Major Sam Leavitt Announcement
Arizona State Reacts to Big 12's Major Sam Leavitt Announcement originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Arizona State Sun Devils had an amazing 2024 season. They went 11-3, securing the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, eventually losing to No. 5 Texas in the quarterfinals. Advertisement What makes that even more impressive is that the expectations weren't high at all, considering they were coming off back-to-back 3-9 seasons in 2022 and 2023 and hadn't appeared in a bowl game since 2021. Much of that unexpected success fell on the shoulders of quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has now earned an exciting honor before 2025 as he was named the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. That caught the attention of the Sun Devils, who reshared the exciting news on X, captioning it "Preseason praise." Last season, in his first year as a full-time starter at the collegiate level, Leavitt was impressive, completing 216 of 350 passes for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 150.2 passing efficiency rating. Advertisement It wasn't only his passing ability that was on display, though, as he also showed a strong ability as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing the ball 110 times for 443 yards and five touchdowns. Leavitt's efforts helped Arizona State achieve some impressive offensive numbers, finishing the year tied for 30th in points per game (32.9) and tied for 28th in total yards per game (429.4). Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10). Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Not only will Leavitt be looking to achieve the same team success, but also chase some more personal accolades, as ESPN BET ties him for the 11th-best odds (+3000) to win the Heisman Trophy. Related: Nation's No. 1 Recruit Predicted to Choose Big 12 Team Over Alabama, Georgia This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Dodgers to Call Up Flame-Throwing Reliever Julian Fernandez Ahead of Brewers Series
Dodgers to Call Up Flame-Throwing Reliever Julian Fernandez Ahead of Brewers Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the best teams in the majors this 2025 MLB season. However, after being swept by the Houston Astros this past weekend, changes are coming to the bullpen. Advertisement Los Angeles have had to make significant changes to the rotation and the bullpen due to injuries and poor play. Ahead of their series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Dodgers are, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, calling up Julian Fernandez to the Major League roster. The flame-throwing righty hadn't played in the Major Leagues since 2021 when he pitched 6.2 innings with a 10.80 ERA and a 1.95 WHIP in six appearances. Fernandez has lived in Triple-A with multiple organizations since his brief stint in the Majors four years ago. He spent the 2023 season in the Toronto Blue Jays farm system before heading to the Mexican League with the Estrellas Orientales. Advertisement But in 2025, the 29-year-old joined the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate and has pitched in 24 games this season. In his 24 outings, he has a 4.08 ERA through 28.2 innings with 32 strikeouts and a 1.50 WHIP. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) walks to the mound for a pitching change in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Dodger Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images One of the benefits for the Dodgers in selecting Fernandez to the 40-man roster is his flexibility. He has multiple options remaining, meaning the Dodgers can call him up to the Majors and send him back down to the minors multiple times this season if they need to. While not the only change the Dodgers are making ahead of the Brewers series, it's intriguing. If the flame-throwing righty can find a groove in the Majors with the Dodgers, he could be a real bullpen piece for Los Angeles down the stretch. Advertisement Related: Rob Manfred Makes Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Announcement Related: Dodgers Get Bad News on Potential All-Star Michael Conforto Replacement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.