ESPN preseason power rankings and playoff chances for Clemson released

Clemson debuted Monday at No. 15 in ESPN's preseason power rankings, one spot behind its ranking in the AP and Coaches polls.

“Once a top-five regular, Clemson hasn't made the College Football Playoff in three years and won nine games in 2023 – the first time in 12 years that the Tigers haven't reached double-digit wins. But coach Dabo Swinney remains unconcerned and believes firmly in the direction the program is heading,” wrote ESPN's Andrea Adelson. “Swinney has defended his decisions and his offense, starting with Cade Klubnikwho entered a decisive second season as a starter with Garrett Riley call the plays. Clemson is banking on a better offensive line and young receivers who are improving. Meanwhile, the defense is expected to return to form after a small slump a year ago. Barrett Carter leading, along with super students in the second year of study Peter Woods and TJ Parker.

“We'll know a lot more about Clemson after the first five games of the season – the Tigers open against Georgia and then host NC State and Florida State in two of their first three league games. Clemson lost to both last year.”

This opening opponent is number 1 overall.

“The Bulldogs had won 29 straight games, including back-to-back national championships, before losing to Alabama in the SEC championship game last season. Kirby Smart insists his team doesn't need that loss as motivation, let alone staying out of the playoffs,” ESPN's Chris Low said. “He said every team and every season is different. What is not different is that Georgia will once again be one of the most talented teams in the country, with one of the best quarterbacks (Carson Beck), perhaps the best offensive line Smart has ever had at Georgia, and a defense that will once again be strong and feature new faces. This could be Mykel Williams' breakout season as a defensive end, and Malaki Starks, who has been a three-year starter, is one of the best safeties in college football. The road schedule in particular is not easy. The Bulldogs have to play at Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss. They open the season on August 31 against Clemson in Atlanta. But despite that challenge, Georgia has all the ingredients to be back in the playoffs for the fourth time under Smart.”

Florida State leads the ACC at number 10, with Miami (19) and NC State (20) also making it into the top 25.

“The Seminoles have the talent needed to make their long-awaited return to the playoffs,” Adelson said.

With that in mind, ESPN's Playoff Predictor gives FSU the best odds in the league with a 36% projection, while Clemson falls short at 27%.

Based on those numbers, the CFP projected teams are: Georgia (79%), Oregon (76), Florida State (36), Kansas (24; last conference champion by-play), Texas (68), Ohio State (67), Notre Dame (59), Penn State (59), Alabama (57), Missouri (37), Tennessee (37; Oklahoma also 37%, but listed in that order) and Boise State (16; last conference champion by-play).

Georgia Tech and Florida State (-11.5) open the 2024 season on Saturday at noon in Ireland (ESPN). SMU (-27.5) also travels to Nevada at 8 p.m. (CBSSN).