The Clemson Tigers’ offensive line should be strong the next season.

As college football continues to evolve and the landscape shifts year after year, one thing remains constant: the importance of the offensive line. While flashy skill players like quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers often steal the spotlight, it is the offensive line that lays the foundation for a successful offense. For the Clemson Tigers, one of the top programs in college football, a strong offensive line is crucial to maintaining their status as a championship contender.

Heading into the 2025 season, Clemson’s offensive line is poised to be one of the strongest units on the team. After several seasons of building depth and talent in the trenches, the Tigers are in an excellent position to have a dominant line that will not only protect their quarterbacks but also open up running lanes for their backs. With a combination of returning experience, highly ranked recruits, and developmental talent, Clemson’s offensive line is set to play a pivotal role in the team’s success as they chase another ACC Championship and potentially a College Football Playoff berth.

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at what makes Clemson’s offensive line such a strong unit for 2025, the key players to watch, and the challenges the Tigers may face as they look to assert themselves as a force up front.

Clemson’s Offensive Line History and Recent Success

Before diving into the details of the 2025 season, it’s important to understand the context of Clemson’s offensive line over the past few years. Historically, Clemson football has been built on a combination of elite skill players and a solid, physical offensive line. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has evolved into one of the premier programs in college football, winning multiple ACC championships and a national title in 2016.

In recent years, Clemson has consistently produced high-level offensive lines that have played a critical role in the team’s success. From blocking for dual-threat quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence to paving the way for future NFL running backs, the Tigers have fielded offensive lines that rank among the best in the nation. Although the 2023 season saw some growing pains along the line, the foundation was being laid for future success. The Tigers’ 2024 offensive line showed improvement in both pass protection and run blocking, but the real excitement for Clemson fans lies in the 2025 season, where they hope to see their offensive line reach its full potential.

Returning Experience and Key Contributors

One of the reasons the Tigers’ offensive line is expected to be strong in 2025 is the wealth of returning talent. Several key players are set to return for another season, providing the unit with both experience and continuity. In college football, offensive line chemistry is crucial to success, and having a group of seasoned players who have developed a rapport with each other is a big advantage.

1. Will Putnam – Center

Will Putnam, who played a key role for the Tigers over the past few seasons, is expected to anchor the offensive line in 2025 as one of the leaders of the unit. Known for his strong technique and leadership, Putnam is one of the most experienced players on the roster and is viewed as one of the best centers in college football. His ability to read defenses, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and communicate with his fellow linemen will be instrumental in Clemson’s success.

Putnam has been praised for his versatility, as he has the ability to block effectively in both the run game and pass protection. His understanding of the game, coupled with his physical attributes, makes him a key asset for Clemson in 2025. Look for Putnam to have a strong season and be a key player in the development of the offensive line.

2. Jordan McFadden – Left Tackle

Another major returning player is Jordan McFadden, who is expected to be one of the Tigers’ leaders on the offensive line. McFadden, who has spent time playing both guard and tackle during his career, will likely line up at left tackle in 2025, protecting the quarterback’s blind side. A vital position on the line, left tackle often faces the best pass rushers from the opposing team. McFadden’s size, strength, and agility make him a perfect fit for this role. As a versatile and athletic lineman, he provides Clemson with a steady force on the outside, especially in pass protection.

McFadden’s experience and leadership are invaluable, and his presence on the left side of the line will be key in giving Clemson’s quarterbacks time to make plays downfield. With his skill set and dedication, McFadden is primed for a stellar season as he helps protect the pocket and pave the way for the running game.

3. Walker Parks – Right Guard

On the interior of the line, Walker Parks is another player who is expected to make a significant impact in 2025. A strong and physical presence, Parks has been a steady contributor for Clemson over the past few years and has the versatility to play multiple positions along the interior of the line. As a right guard, Parks is expected to be a key component in both the run and pass game.

Parks’ combination of size, power, and technique makes him a tough matchup for opposing defensive linemen. His ability to protect the quarterback and create holes for running backs will be a major asset for the Tigers. With his leadership, toughness, and ability to win one-on-one battles in the trenches, Parks is poised for a big year in 2025.

4. Trent Howard – Right Tackle

Trent Howard, who has shown promise in his first few seasons, is another key player who will be instrumental to the success of the offensive line. Expected to start at right tackle in 2025, Howard will be tasked with protecting the edge and providing solid run-blocking on the right side of the line. His size, length, and athleticism allow him to play effectively against both speed rushers and power rushers.

As the right tackle, Howard’s role will be critical in the Tigers’ success on offense, particularly in pass protection. The ability to keep the pocket clean for the quarterback and open lanes for the running backs will be essential for Clemson’s offensive success. Howard’s growth over the past season should make him a reliable presence on the right side of the line.

Highly Ranked Recruits and Developmental Talent

In addition to the returning players, Clemson has also added some exciting new talent to the offensive line. Recruiting is a cornerstone of the program, and Dabo Swinney has worked hard to bring in some of the top offensive line recruits in the nation. The combination of returning players and highly ranked recruits gives Clemson a deep and talented offensive line group.

5. Blake Miller – Freshman Offensive Tackle

One of the most exciting prospects for the Tigers in 2025 is Blake Miller, an incoming freshman offensive tackle. Miller, a highly ranked recruit out of Ohio, has the physical tools to contribute immediately. With his size, strength, and athleticism, Miller has the potential to step into the lineup as a true freshman and make an impact at either tackle position.

Miller’s development throughout the season will be closely watched by Clemson fans. If he can contribute early, he will give the Tigers even more depth along the offensive line and help bolster the unit’s overall strength.

6. Ryan Linthicum – Redshirt Freshman Center

Another key player to watch in 2025 is Ryan Linthicum, a redshirt freshman who has impressed coaches during his time at Clemson. As a center, Linthicum has the opportunity to step in and provide depth behind Will Putnam or even push for a starting spot down the road. Linthicum’s strength, technique, and football IQ give him the potential to be a future leader on the offensive line.

Clemson has a strong tradition of developing offensive linemen, and Linthicum will likely be one of the next players to emerge as a key contributor. While his role in 2025 may be more developmental, expect him to play an important role in future seasons.

The Key to Success: Depth and Versatility

One of the defining features of the Clemson offensive line heading into the 2025 season is the depth and versatility across the group. The Tigers have multiple players who are capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line, which is a crucial advantage for both game planning and injury prevention.

Having a group of versatile linemen allows Clemson to adjust their lineup based on matchups and ensure that they have fresh, capable players ready to step in if needed. This depth will also allow the Tigers to weather injuries that inevitably occur over the course of the season, giving them a significant advantage over teams with thinner depth.

The Challenges Ahead

While Clemson’s offensive line is poised for a strong season, it will face its share of challenges. The Tigers’ schedule in 2025 features some elite defenses, and they will need to perform at a high level to succeed. Teams like Florida State, Miami, and North Carolina will provide tough tests in the ACC, while non-conference matchups could also present challenges.

One of the main concerns for the offensive line will be pass protection. With a new starting quarterback and a young but talented group of skill players, keeping the pocket clean and providing time for the passing game will be critical. Additionally, finding consistency in the run game will be important to keep defenses honest and help establish a balanced offensive attack.

 A Promising Season for Clemson’s Offensive Line

As Clemson enters the 2025 season, the offensive line is shaping up to be one of the team’s greatest strengths. With a combination of experienced returners, highly ranked recruits, and impressive developmental talent, the Tigers’ offensive line is poised to have a dominant impact on the field. This unit will play a critical role in the success of the team, and its ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the backs will determine how far Clemson can go in the race for another ACC Championship and a College Football Playoff spot.

With a strong, deep, and talented offensive line, Clemson will have the foundation it needs to compete at the highest level and potentially challenge for a national title in 2025. Fans should be excited about the future of Clemson’s offensive line, as it looks set to play a key role in the Tigers’ continued dominance in college football.