Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Anticipates Florida State’s Comeback in 2025
As Clemson prepares for a challenging 2025 schedule, head coach Dabo Swinney has acknowledged Florida State’s potential resurgence this season.
Florida State enters a crucial year under sixth-year head coach Mike Norvell, facing a demanding lineup of opponents as the program aims to reclaim its place atop the Atlantic Coast Conference. Their season opener against Alabama on August 30 sets the tone, followed by high-stakes games against in-state rivals Florida and Miami, a rematch with Clemson, and a persistent threat in NC State.
Over the past ten years, the FSU-Clemson clash has developed into a fierce rivalry, largely shaped by Swinney’s leadership in Death Valley. The Tigers posted a 10-4 record last season and clinched the ACC title, though their playoff run ended early with a 38-24 loss to Texas.
Florida State’s November 8 visit to Clemson’s Memorial Stadium will carry significant weight, especially after the Tigers defeated them 29-13 last season in Tallahassee.
With excitement building around Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and the team’s momentum heading into 2025, Swinney discussed the challenges ahead during an appearance on ACC PM.
“The ‘Noles are definitely going to be stronger this season, and we’ll be hosting them at home,” Swinney remarked. “There’s a lot of preparation involved, and I have a lot of respect for the teams we’re up against.”
Currently, Clemson is favored to win another ACC championship with +130 odds, followed closely by Miami at +370. However, Norvell’s significant roster and staff changes could shake up the standings.
Florida State made a splash in the transfer portal, landing the sixth-best class, featuring Boston College quarterback transfer Tommy Castellanos and wide receivers Duce Robinson and Squirrel White to revitalize an offense that struggled to a 2-10 finish last year.
On the defensive side, new coordinator Tony White has helped the Seminoles bring in top talent, including four-star cornerback Jeremiah Wilson and defensive linemen Deamontae Diggs, James Williams, and Jayson Jenkins, who will join seasoned veteran Darrell Jackson in the trenches.
Although betting odds for the FSU-Clemson showdown haven’t been released, Florida State is likely to enter as the underdog. A strong performance in Death Valley would significantly boost their campaign to re-establish themselves as contenders in 2025.
