Top 10 Clemson Tigers Returning for Another CFP Run

Bryant Wesco Jr. - Wide Receiver

The third of the trio of talented returning wide receivers is sophomore Bryant Wesco Jr. As a freshman, Wesco had 41 receptions and 708 yards, including a team-best 17.27 yards per reception. His explosiveness and quickness were quickly apparent, and he serves as a guy who can take the top off opposing defenses. How do you cover an offense with three legitimate targets like Williams, Moore, and Wesco, plus a confident veteran quarterback like Cade Klubnik? Clemson hopes the answer in 2025 is, “You don’t.”

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T.J. Parker - Defensive End

Clemson’s defense has to be better in 2025 than it was this past season, particularly against the run. The Tigers were in the bottom third of the country in stopping the run, and that ineptitude led to the dismissal of Wes Goodwin and the hiring of new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. The Tigers have a pair of elite defensive linemen returning, with top pass rusher T.J. Parker chief among them. Parker had 11 sacks as a sophomore and returns for what should be an All-American campaign.

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Antonio Williams - Wide Receiver

It has been a few years since the Clemson Tigers could feel great about the wide receiver room heading into a season. That changes ahead of the 2025 season, as the Tigers have a trio of wideouts that could match up with just about any team in the country. The most veteran and best of that group is Antonio Williams. Williams was healthy for the 2024 season and led Clemson with 904 yards, 75 receptions and 11 touchdowns. He was a chain-mover for the Tigers and has a great rapport with Cade Klubnik.

Peter Woods - Defensive Lineman

The other top-tier defensive lineman returning for the Clemson Tigers is Peter Woods. Woods battled an injury throughout the latter stages of the 2024 campaign, which limited his effectiveness (and likely played a part in Clemson’s inability to stop the run). Still, Woods can play on the edge or the interior. With the return of T.J. Parker and the addition of Purdue transfer Will Heldt, it seems likely Woods will play more in the middle of the line. One of Tom Allen’s primary objectives will be getting the best out of Woods.

Sammy Brown - Linebacker

In his heart, Tom Allen is a linebackers coach. That’s how he started as a coach, and he has helped develop several linebackers who became NFL players. In short, he knows how to put linebackers in a position to be successful. That is good news for gifted sophomore Sammy Brown. Brown was a consensus five-star recruit, earning increased playing time as the season wore on. He’s incredibly talented and physically gifted and will move into the starting lineup with Barrett Carter moving on to the NFL Draft. Brown can develop into an All-American as early as 2025.

Avieon Terrell - Defensive Back

Clemson was okay against the pass in 2024, but they must improve in that area to contend for a title in 2025. A big piece of that will be top cornerback Avieon Terrell. Terrell, a legacy Clemson Tiger, had 58 tackles and a pair of interceptions as the No. 1 corner. He’ll probably pair with sophomore Ashton Hampton to form what Clemson hopes is a stingy duo at cornerback.

Blake Miller - Offensive Tackle

The Tigers return four of their five starting offensive linemen for the 2025 season, and the best of that group is tackle Blake Miller. Miller is a multi-year starter, and he earned All-ACC honors in 2024. He’s a sturdy and steady presence who will be a leader for the group, and he’s a better pass blocker than a run blocker. The offense could be a top-ten unit if the offensive line plays up to its potential.

T.J. Moore - Wide Receiver

The trio of returning wide receivers have been mentioned previously, and Antonio Williams has already been listed. The second of three receivers on this list is T.J. Moore. The sophomore was not at Clemson for spring football, so he was behind to begin the campaign, but he came on strong late and finished with 45 receptions for 651 yards with five touchdowns. Moore is a big target, and as he matures physically, he will be a handful for undersized defenders. An entire offseason in Clemson’s program should lead to a big leap for Moore.

Khalil Barnes - Safety

The Clemson Tigers lost R.J. Mickens to the NFL Draft, so Khalil Barnes's return and continued development are vital. Barnes was a revelation as a freshman, and it would be fair to say he took a minor step back in 2024 as a sophomore. Clemson needs Barnes to be a bit more active as a tackler and disruptor in the box, and it will be very interesting to see how Tom Allen decides to utilize his skillset.

Bryant Wesco Jr. - Wide Receiver

The third of the trio of talented returning wide receivers is sophomore Bryant Wesco Jr. As a freshman, Wesco had 41 receptions and 708 yards, including a team-best 17.27 yards per reception. His explosiveness and quickness were quickly apparent, and he serves as a guy who can take the top off opposing defenses. How do you cover an offense with three legitimate targets like Williams, Moore, and Wesco, plus a confident veteran quarterback like Cade Klubnik? Clemson hopes the answer in 2025 is, “You don’t.”

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