Latest news with #CollegeFootballFuturePowerRankings
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN on wide receiver Tyler Brown being Clemson football's 2025 sleeper player
Where Clemson landed in ESPN's updated College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026 It's easy to see why Clemson football's wide receiver room is getting so much national buzz heading into 2025, but one name still seems to be flying under the radar. After missing last season with an ankle injury, Tyler Brown is healthy again and ready to remind everyone why he was such a big part of the Tigers' offense just two years ago. With the emergence of TJ Moore and Bryant Wesco as explosive outside threats, the return of Antonio Williams for his senior season, and the addition of Tristan Smith through the transfer portal, the Tigers have turned what was once a weak spot into one of the ACC's deepest position groups. Andrea Adelson of ESPN pointed out that while Williams, Moore and Wesco have dominated the headlines, Brown shouldn't be overlooked. Dabo Swinney spoke glowingly about him this spring, making it clear he expects Brown to carve out a significant role this fall. Back in 2023, Brown led Clemson in receptions and receiving yards as a freshman and was named a freshman All-American for his efforts. Having him back at full strength gives Cade Klubnik another proven weapon in the slot alongside Williams, with Moore, Wesco and Smith stretching the field outside. Cole Turner adds even more depth to a unit that could return Clemson's passing attack to elite status. If this group lives up to its potential, Brown's comeback could be one of the biggest reasons why Clemson's offense looks like an 'embarrassment of riches' again in 2025. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Clemson landed in ESPN's updated College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026
Clemson football is firmly back among college football's top contenders, climbing to No. 7 in ESPN's College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026 — up from No. 12 last year. Much of that optimism centers on quarterback Cade Klubnik, who's set for his third and final season as the Tigers' starter. After accounting for 43 touchdowns and more than 4,000 total yards in 2024, he's expected to finish as one of the program's most productive quarterbacks before heading to the NFL. A dominant defensive line is another reason for Clemson's rise. The Tigers return All-America candidates T.J. Parker and Peter Woods, both projected as early picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. They also added Purdue transfer Will Heldt, who produced five sacks and 10 tackles for loss last fall, and veteran tackle DeMonte Capehart is back to strengthen the interior. Up front on offense, Clemson brings back four starters on the line, including Ryan Linthicum, Tristan Leigh and Walker Parks — all honorable mention All-ACC selections. The Tigers also made subtle but important moves in the transfer portal, landing Heldt and wide receiver Tristan Smith from Missouri State, adding depth to a unit that already features standout Antonio Williams, a first-team All-ACC pick last season. A new defensive coordinator, Tom Allen — fresh off helping Penn State reach the CFP semifinal — steps in to boost a unit that needed a spark. With key stars returning and Swinney's willingness to adapt, Clemson appears ready to make a serious national title push in the next two years. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Spartans listed low in College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026 from ESPN
Spartans listed low in College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026 from ESPN When it comes to future power rankings from ESPN, Michigan State ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten. Adam Rittenberg of ESPN took a different spin on your typical power rankings that look ahead to just the upcoming season and put together a list for the next two years -- which he has labeled as College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026. The key areas Rittenberg is analyzing as part of these future power rankings are: Returning quarterback Likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster Offensive line/defensive line outlook Roster management Star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders) Coaching staff So where did Michigan State rank among the 68 power four teams included in the poll? Firmly in the back half at No. 51 nationally -- which came out to No. 14 in the Big Ten. Within the Big Ten, the Spartans were ahead of Purdue, Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern, and right behind UCLA (two spots nationally). Here are a few of the notable items Rittenberg called out about the Spartans: Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Quite likely. (Aidan) Chiles carries junior eligibility and has great familiarity with Smith, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and the staff. His backups are all young players. Chiles could have a breakout season and move on, but few would be surprised if he's leading the MSU offense in 2026. Quite likely. (Aidan) Chiles carries junior eligibility and has great familiarity with Smith, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and the staff. His backups are all young players. Chiles could have a breakout season and move on, but few would be surprised if he's leading the MSU offense in 2026. Roster management: Michigan State's roster has been fairly fluid under Smith, with transfers going in and out, but the team retained wide receiver Nick Marsh, one of its top young playmakers, and several other key holdovers. The team has made some portal gains, especially at spots such as wide receiver, offensive line and defensive back. Smith has been fairly quiet in high school recruiting, although the team has a commitment from ESPN 300 prospect Kayd Coffman for the 2026 class. Michigan State's roster has been fairly fluid under Smith, with transfers going in and out, but the team retained wide receiver Nick Marsh, one of its top young playmakers, and several other key holdovers. The team has made some portal gains, especially at spots such as wide receiver, offensive line and defensive back. Smith has been fairly quiet in high school recruiting, although the team has a commitment from ESPN 300 prospect Kayd Coffman for the 2026 class. Star power: Michigan State lost All-Big Ten player Newman to the draft and interceptions leader Charles Brantley to the portal (Miami). Marsh and veteran tight end Jack Velling have all-conference potential, and Chiles is a talented quarterback seeking more consistency. MSU will be banking on big production from transfers such as Moore and wide receivers Chrishon McCray and Omari Kelly. Personally, I would have Michigan State ranked higher than some of the programs Rittenberg slotted ahead of the Spartans. But I also understand the need to see more from Jonathan Smith at Michigan State from a national writer before putting a ton of faith into the Spartans. So it's a fair ranking, but certainly something I would be very disappointed about should Michigan State be a sub top 50 team nationally by the end of year three under Smith. Click on the post below to see the complete rankings from Rittenberg and his full write-up on the Spartans: Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
