Clemson offensive line ranked Top 10 heading into 2025 by two ESPN analysts
Clemson football's offensive line continues to earn national recognition ahead of the 2025 season. On a recent episode of his Always College Football show, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, joined by fellow analyst Cole Cubelic, ranked the top 10 offensive lines in the country — and Clemson checked in at No. 9 on their list.
With four starters returning, the Tigers are expected to take another step forward under offensive line coach Matt Luke, who has quickly made a strong impact since joining Dabo Swinney's staff. Clemson loses veteran Marcus Tate at left guard, but the rest of the unit remains intact. Blake Miller and Tristan Leigh return as the bookend tackles, Ryan Linthicum anchors the middle at center, and sixth-year lineman Walker Parks provides versatility and leadership along the interior.
Replacing Tate likely won't be a major issue, with sophomore Harris Sewell ready to step in. Sewell has already logged over 1,000 snaps in his first two seasons and has shown steady improvement throughout his time in the program.
'I could probably start and finish this reasoning with the coach of the offensive line, Matt Luke,' McElroy said. 'Usually, any group that he's in charge of, you feel pretty good about. They bring back four out of five starters. I'm not concerned at all about the positions that return.'
Cubelic, a former Auburn offensive lineman, echoed that sentiment and credited Luke with instilling a tougher edge in Clemson's front. 'Matt Luke has brought a little bit more of that glass-eater mentality,' he said. 'It was an amazing hire by Dabo. You're plugging in a guy like Harris Sewell, who's already played a ton, and I think Tristan Leigh can be one of the better tackles in the ACC.'
Both analysts agreed that if Clemson's offensive line can live up to expectations, the rest of the offense could benefit in a big way. Cubelic noted that in recent years, the Tigers' line hasn't always stood out even when the offense has thrived, but this year could be different with so much continuity and experience up front.
Pro Football Focus also recently ranked Clemson among the top 10 offensive lines heading into the season, placing the Tigers at No. 10. McElroy concluded, 'I think it's got a chance to be one of their better groups they've had. Just all things considered, I really believe that.'
The full top-10 list from McElroy and Cubelic featured Notre Dame at No. 1, followed by Texas A&M, Florida, Alabama, Utah, Miami, Penn State, Auburn, Clemson, and Oregon.
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