Tigers Tabbed Among College Football’s Top Returning Players

 

As college football gears up for another exciting season, it’s clear that the sport’s most elite players are getting even better. With so much talent across the country, the competition is only getting fiercer, but some players are beginning to stand out from the rest. For the Clemson Tigers, the defending ACC champions, their roster is stacked with incredible talent that is expected to shine in the 2025 season.

 

Over the years, Clemson has built a dynasty under head coach Dabo Swinney, consistently producing NFL-caliber players while winning multiple ACC titles and competing for national championships. This year, five Tigers have earned spots on lists of the top returning players in college football, showcasing the program’s remarkable depth and talent. These players are not only stars in the making but also pivotal to Clemson’s championship aspirations in the upcoming season.

 

Let’s take a closer look at these five standout players and why they’ve been recognized as among the best returning talents in college football.

 

1. Will Shipley – Running Back

 

At the top of Clemson’s list of returning players is none other than running back Will Shipley. Shipley has been a force in the backfield since his arrival in 2022, quickly establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the nation. Heading into the 2025 season, Shipley is primed to continue his dominance.

 

A product of Weddington High School in North Carolina, Shipley has the rare combination of speed, power, and agility that makes him difficult for any defense to stop. In 2024, Shipley rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. His vision, patience, and ability to break tackles make him a threat on every down. But it’s not just his running ability that stands out—Shipley has also developed into a reliable receiving option out of the backfield, giving quarterback Cade Klubnik another weapon to work with.

 

Shipley’s contributions go beyond just his physical attributes. He has become a leader for Clemson’s offense, both in the locker room and on the field. His work ethic and attitude are contagious, and he’s a player who sets the tone for Clemson’s high-powered attack. Heading into 2025, Shipley is widely regarded as one of the best running backs in college football, and if he stays healthy, he could find himself in the Heisman conversation.

 

Clemson’s offensive line will need to create holes for Shipley, but with his vision and elusiveness, he’s capable of turning any play into a game-changing moment. Whether he’s running between the tackles or breaking outside for long gains, Shipley’s ability to make explosive plays is a key asset for Clemson as they look to defend their ACC title.

 

2. Cade Klubnik – Quarterback

 

Cade Klubnik is another key piece in the Clemson offense who’s expected to take a significant leap forward in 2025. The young quarterback showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman season in 2024, and now, entering his sophomore year, he is poised to take command of the Tigers’ offense and elevate it to new heights.

 

Klubnik was highly touted coming out of high school as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. In his first season at Clemson, he had to learn on the fly, adapting to the speed and complexity of college football. But by the end of the season, Klubnik showed what makes him special. His ability to throw the ball accurately on all levels of the field, combined with his athleticism and poise under pressure, make him a future star.

 

In 2024, Klubnik threw for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, showing great chemistry with Clemson’s receiving corps. He’s known for his quick release and ability to make pinpoint throws in tight windows, and his ability to read defenses has already started to develop at an elite level. What stands out the most about Klubnik is his natural leadership ability—he’s a player who thrives in big moments and can rally his teammates when it matters most.

 

With Shipley in the backfield and a strong offensive line in front of him, Klubnik will have the opportunity to take the next step in his development. If he can continue to grow as a decision-maker and refine his deep ball accuracy, Klubnik has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football by the end of 2025.

 

3. Myles Murphy – Defensive End

 

Myles Murphy is one of the most physically imposing players in all of college football. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive end has been a force for the Tigers since his freshman year, and he’s only gotten better with time. Heading into the 2025 season, Murphy is widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country and a potential first-round NFL draft pick.

 

In 2024, Murphy registered 9 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, while constantly disrupting opposing quarterbacks and wreaking havoc in the backfield. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him nearly impossible to block, and his ability to get after the quarterback is a game-changer for Clemson’s defense.

 

But it’s not just his pass-rushing ability that makes Murphy special—he is also a strong run defender, using his size and power to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield. Murphy is an exceptional athlete for his size, and he has the agility to change direction quickly and pursue ball carriers from all areas of the field.

 

With Clemson’s defensive line loaded with talent, Murphy’s ability to take over games and disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses will be critical to their success in 2025. He is expected to be one of the most dominant defensive players in college football and a nightmare for offensive coordinators.

 

4. Antonio Williams – Wide Receiver

 

Antonio Williams is one of the most exciting wide receivers in college football, and he’s poised to have a breakout year in 2025. After a promising 2024 season, Williams is expected to take on a larger role in Clemson’s offense and become one of the top receiving threats in the country.

 

Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Williams has the perfect blend of size and speed. In his sophomore season, he caught 65 passes for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns, quickly becoming Cade Klubnik’s favorite target. His ability to separate from defenders with sharp route running and quick acceleration is what makes him so dangerous. Williams also excels at making tough catches in traffic, showing great hands and toughness over the middle of the field.

 

Williams is also a threat to take any play the distance. Whether it’s a short pass that he turns into a long gain or a deep ball that he tracks perfectly, his ability to make explosive plays will be a key factor for Clemson’s offense. As Klubnik continues to develop and mature, Williams is expected to become one of the most productive and dynamic wide receivers in the nation.

 

With Clemson’s offense featuring multiple weapons in the passing game, Williams will be a key piece to their success. If he continues to develop as a route runner and a deep threat, he could very well challenge for All-American honors in 2025.

 

5. Barrett Carter – Linebacker

 

Barrett Carter is one of the top linebackers in college football and is a key leader on Clemson’s defense. The versatile linebacker has been a standout for the Tigers since his freshman year, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways has earned him a spot among the best returning players in the country.

 

Carter is known for his exceptional athleticism, as he can cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, combined with his skill as a run defender, makes him an invaluable asset for Clemson. In 2024, Carter tallied over 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. He’s a player who can line up in different spots and create havoc for opposing offenses.

 

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Carter’s game is his football IQ. He’s constantly in the right place at the right time, making key stops and breaking up passes. His leadership on the field has been praised by coaches and teammates alike, and he is one of the most respected players on the team.

 

As Clemson’s defense continues to reload with talent, Carter’s ability to anchor the defense and lead by example will be crucial to their success. He is a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft, and his performance in 2025 could cement his place among the best linebackers to ever play for Clemson.

 

Conclusion

 

The Clemson Tigers are loaded with talent heading into the 2025 season, and these five players are among the best in college football. Whether it’s the dynamic running back Will Shipley, the talented quarterback Cade Klubnik, the dominating defensive end Myles Murphy, the explosive wide receiver Antonio Williams, or the versatile linebacker Barrett Carter, Clemson’s roster is stacked with future stars.

 

These players not only have the potential to elevate their game to new heights but also to lead the Tigers to another successful season. As college football’s top returning players, they will be key contributors to Clemson’s quest for another ACC title and a shot at the national championship.

 

With a group of players this talented, it’s clear that the Clemson Tigers are a team to watch in 2025, and they have the pieces in place to continue their dynasty as one of the nation’s elite programs.