Greg McElroy Names No. 1 Workforce in Preseason Faculty Soccer Rankings initially appeared on Athlon Sports activities.
For months, Texas Longhorns soccer has hovered close to the highest of almost each main 2025 preseason rating. The Longhorns have been voted No. 1 within the Coaches Ballot and have earned high billing from analysts throughout ESPN, FOX and On3. However former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy is zagging in a giant approach.
Throughout the newest episode of his “All the time Faculty Soccer” podcast, McElroy unveiled his preseason high 10, and the identify on the high was neither Texas nor the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
It’s the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers, who completed 10–3 in 2024 and enter the season outdoors the highest 5 in most polls, have McElroy’s full confidence heading into what he believes might be a nationwide championship run.
Cade Klubnik Can Resolve Clemson’s Destiny
McElroy credited senior quarterback Cade Klubnik because the central purpose he believes in Clemson’s title ceiling. Klubnik, now getting into his third season as a starter, was as soon as seen as an underachiever after a rocky sophomore 12 months.
That narrative flipped final season when he threw for over 3,600 yards and 36 touchdowns, together with simply six interceptions. He added greater than 450 dashing yards and flashed improved decision-making beneath strain.
McElroy praised Klubnik’s rising chemistry with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and stated he believes the 2 are in good sync getting into 2025.
The Tigers’ broad receiver room, led by senior Antonio Williams, options elite pace and depth, together with breakout sophomore threats Bryant Wesco Jr. and T.J. Moore. McElroy known as the unit “pretty much as good as we’ve seen from Clemson in a very very long time.”
Defensive Line Expertise Places Clemson in Contender Tier
What separates Clemson from different top-tier groups, based on McElroy, is its stacked defensive position. Junior EDGE T.J. Parker leads the group after a 12-sack marketing campaign in 2024.
Former five-star Peter Woods returns to his pure defensive deal with place after being moved round final season, and Purdue Boilermakers switch Will Heldt provides one other influence piece as one of many high defensive position pickups within the portal.
The addition of Tom Allen, the previous head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, as defensive coordinator, has additionally drawn optimism.
McElroy stated he believes Allen’s scheme will enable Clemson’s protection to play with extra edge and aggression, capitalizing on a entrance loaded with energy and pace. With true freshman Amare Adams additionally within the combine, the unit has each star energy and depth.
Working Again Questions Linger
The lone hesitation McElroy voiced was Clemson’s uncertainty at working again. Phil Mafah is gone, and Jay Haynes continues to be recovering from an ACL tear suffered within the ACC title recreation.
5-star freshman Gideon Davidson is predicted to play straight away, however there’s little expertise within the room. Jarvis Inexperienced and David Eziomume may earn carries, however McElroy emphasised this unit is “unproven.”
Nonetheless, between Klubnik’s development, a loaded receiver corps and a championship-caliber defensive position, McElroy stated 2025 is Clemson’s window to return to the highest. He ranked the Tigers forward of not simply Texas, but in addition Ohio State and the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Clemson opens the season towards the LSU Tigers at dwelling on Aug. 30, and if they begin quick, McElroy’s daring prediction could not look so daring for lengthy.
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This story was initially reported by Athlon Sports activities on Aug 7, 2025, the place it first appeared.
