Clemson football schedule for 2025: All games against LSU, SMU, and South Carolina are scheduled.

Clemson Football Schedule for 2025: Key Matchups Against LSU, SMU, and South Carolina

As the 2025 college football season looms on the horizon, the Clemson Tigers are preparing for what promises to be a thrilling and challenging slate of games. Known for their dominance in the ACC and their regular presence in the College Football Playoff hunt, Clemson is entering a new chapter in its football journey. The 2025 season’s schedule is highlighted by marquee matchups against three of the most exciting and competitive teams in college football: the LSU Tigers, the SMU Mustangs, and their in-state rivals, the South Carolina Gamecocks. These games are expected to provide fans with unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and potential playoff implications.

In this breakdown, we’ll take a closer look at each of these pivotal matchups, exploring what each game means for Clemson’s season and how the Tigers stack up against some of the country’s top football programs.

1. Clemson vs. LSU: A Clash of Tigers

Date: TBD
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA (or Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC)
Impact on Clemson: High

When the Clemson Tigers take on the LSU Tigers in 2025, it will be a clash of two of the most successful and storied programs in the past decade. LSU, the 2019 national champion, has consistently competed at a high level in the SEC, and their explosive offense has become a hallmark of their identity under head coach Brian Kelly. On the other hand, Clemson, led by Dabo Swinney, has been a staple of college football dominance, particularly in the ACC, with multiple national titles and playoff appearances over the last several seasons.

This game will be a high-stakes showdown between two powerhouses, and the outcome could have significant implications on the national landscape. While the Tigers from Baton Rouge have had an impressive recruiting surge under Kelly, Clemson has remained one of the top teams in the country under Swinney’s leadership. This game could serve as a de facto playoff elimination contest, as both teams will likely be vying for one of the coveted playoff spots come December.

Key Storylines:

• Quarterback Play: Both teams have a tradition of elite quarterback play. Clemson’s QB1 in 2025, whether it’s Cade Klubnik or a new emerging star, will need to match LSU’s signal-caller, whether that’s Jayden Daniels or another dynamic passer. The battle between these two quarterbacks could determine who controls the tempo of the game.
• Defensive Powerhouses: Both programs have historically been known for producing NFL-caliber defensive players. The LSU defensive line, featuring some of the top talent in the country, will likely face off against Clemson’s offensive line, which has been one of the most consistent in college football. This battle in the trenches will be a key to determining the victor.
• Playoff Implications: With both teams aiming for a playoff berth, this game could provide a pivotal moment in their respective seasons. A win could put either team in a strong position to claim one of the top four spots, while a loss could effectively end any hopes of making it to the College Football Playoff.

2. Clemson vs. SMU: The Mustangs Make Their Mark

Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Impact on Clemson: Moderate-High

While this matchup between Clemson and SMU (Southern Methodist University) may not carry the same national cachet as the LSU game, it is an exciting and important non-conference contest for Clemson. SMU, led by head coach Rhett Lashlee, has been steadily building its program and appears poised to be a force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With a fast-paced, high-scoring offense, SMU is a team that could catch Clemson off guard if the Tigers are not careful.

This game is especially significant for Clemson because it provides an opportunity to face a non-Power Five team that could have major implications on their overall strength of schedule and playoff positioning. A win against a competitive team like SMU would help Clemson’s case for a playoff berth, especially if the Mustangs manage to have a strong season within their conference.

Key Storylines:

• Offensive Firepower: SMU’s offense has been one of the more prolific in the AAC, and the Tigers will need to focus on stopping their high-flying attack. With playmakers at wide receiver and a dual-threat quarterback, SMU’s offense could present a unique challenge for Clemson’s defense. If the Tigers’ defensive front can pressure the quarterback and disrupt the rhythm of the Mustangs’ offense, Clemson will be in a strong position to control the game.
• Clemson’s Depth: This game provides Clemson with an opportunity to showcase its depth and talent across all positions. SMU is an up-and-coming program, but Clemson has a roster filled with future NFL talent. This game will allow Swinney to test his younger players and give some of the less experienced guys valuable game reps ahead of tougher ACC competition.
• National Spotlight: As one of the few power programs facing a non-Power Five team in a regular-season matchup, Clemson will be expected to win this game handily. However, if SMU can pull off an upset, it would be one of the biggest shocks of the season and could greatly affect Clemson’s playoff hopes.

3. Clemson vs. South Carolina: The Palmetto Bowl

Date: TBD
Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC (or Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC)
Impact on Clemson: Very High

The rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina, known as the “Palmetto Bowl,” is one of the most passionate and fiercely contested rivalries in all of college football. As in-state foes, both teams always bring their best when they meet, and this year will be no different. The Gamecocks, who have been steadily improving under head coach Shane Beamer, will look to make a statement by knocking off the Tigers in this high-stakes, high-drama contest.

For Clemson, this game is about much more than just bragging rights. The Tigers have been a dominant force in college football for years, but South Carolina has been trending upward, making this rivalry much more unpredictable. This matchup is not just about maintaining state supremacy—it’s also a potential College Football Playoff eliminator, depending on both teams’ standings at the time.

Key Storylines:

• Clemson’s Dominance vs. South Carolina’s Momentum: Historically, Clemson has dominated this rivalry, but South Carolina has been building something special under Beamer. The 2025 game could be a defining moment for the Gamecocks, as they aim to knock off one of the top teams in the nation. For Clemson, this is a game where they must prove their superiority and continue their tradition of dominance in the Palmetto State.
• Defensive Matchup: Both teams are known for their defensive prowess. South Carolina boasts a strong defense that will challenge Clemson’s offensive line, while Clemson’s defense, led by a talented group of linebackers and a powerful defensive line, will look to stop South Carolina’s offense. Expect a hard-fought battle in the trenches and a low-scoring game in which both defenses play a significant role.
• Playoff Positioning: As is always the case in rivalry games, this one will have major implications not only for state bragging rights but also for national rankings. A win could keep Clemson’s playoff hopes alive, while a loss could be a devastating blow to their chances of reaching the College Football Playoff. For South Carolina, an upset win could propel them into the national spotlight and provide a huge boost to their program.
• X-Factor Players: Clemson’s star quarterback, along with several key playmakers on both sides of the ball, will need to step up in this rivalry game. For South Carolina, the leadership of their quarterback and the play of their defense will be crucial in keeping the game competitive.

Overall Impact of the 2025 Clemson Football Schedule

The 2025 season’s Clemson football schedule, with marquee matchups against LSU, SMU, and South Carolina, represents a perfect mix of high-profile and regional rivalries. These games will test the Tigers’ mettle and could ultimately determine their playoff aspirations.

• LSU will be a major test for Clemson, as they face a top-tier SEC opponent with a lot to prove.
• SMU presents a strong non-conference challenge that could test Clemson’s ability to maintain focus on their path to the playoffs.
• South Carolina remains a fierce rivalry that always brings drama, intensity, and potential playoff consequences.

For the Tigers, their path to the College Football Playoff in 2025 will be shaped by how well they perform in these games. Every contest is crucial not just for postseason positioning but also for continuing the dominance that has defined Clemson football under Dabo Swinney.

As the season unfolds, these three games will be ones to watch closely—showcasing elite talent, high stakes, and the relentless pursuit of a national championship.