EA Sports College Football 25: Clemson Tigers team preview

The wait is almost over! EA Sports College Football 25 releases Friday, July 19. The 247Sports team  is proud to be the exclusive media group to get early access to playing the game. To make sure fans are ready for the launch of EA Sports College Football 25, we preview some of the top teams in the video game. Today, we dive into one of college football’s most dangerous teams in ACC country – the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson247 expert Austin Hannon has you covered with a Q&A session to get you ready to play with Clemson in College Football 25. Austin pinpoints everything you need to know about the Clemson Tigers roster from impact players to choosing the best offensive and defensive playbooks to highlighting key games on the 2024 college football schedule.

What impact players should fans be controlling for Clemson when they pick up the controller?

“Offensively, I’m starting with Phil Mafah. Have that truck stick ready, folks. Tyler Brown and Antonio Williams are speedy options on the outside. Defensively, Barrett Carter (94 overall player rating) is a do-it-all player — I’m locking onto him and defending the middle of the field. Also, you’ve got two game-wreckers up front in Peter Woods (91 overall player rating) and T.J. Parker. Be wary of a questionable kicking situation … for now.”

What are the best offensive and defensive playbooks to use with Clemson?

“I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to the coaching staff here. Assuming EA put in real-life playbooks, you’ll have a run-balanced version of the Air Raid with Garrett Riley, while Wes Goodwin will have you set up in a traditional 4-3 defense. It will turn more into a 4-2-5 when the Tigers are in Nickel.”

When playing year one of dynasty mode with Clemson, what game should fans circle on the schedule?

“It’s got to be the ACC showdown with Florida State in Tallahassee on Oct. 5. You get a chance to face off against former Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei, and there should be massive implications.”

What should your strategy be with Clemson to put them in a position to win a national title within a few years?

“I don’t think I would change much. The culture and foundation is in place, just need to get things back to the way they were. Perhaps make a few additions via the transfer portal.”

What is the first play you are calling to start the season?

“You’re in Atlanta against Georgia, and its fans, staring you in the face. It’s got to be a trick play of sorts. Flea flicker? WR pass? Can’t go wrong.”

Bud Elliott of 247Sports, and also of the Cover3 podcast, had this to say about Clemson in the game.

“Playing as Clemson in EA Sports College Football 2025 is going to be electrifying! You’ll take control of quarterback Kade Klubnik, orchestrating the offense with precision passes to dynamic receivers like Antonio Williams and Davis Allen, who can make game-changing plays. On defense, Peter Woods will anchor the line, disrupting opposing offenses with his strength and agility. With such talent on both sides of the ball, Clemson might be a sneaky good option to play with outside of the obvious national title contenders.”

In 2013, Bud created the Blue Chip Ratio — a breakdown of programs that have done well enough on the recruiting trail to actually win the College Football Playoff. You will be able to see Bud’s ratio in the game.

EA College Football 25 will be available on July 19. For more team previews, check out 247Sports and CBSSports.com over the coming week.

Want to see your rival’s preview? Your exclusive first look at EA Sports College Football 25’s Top 25 teams presented by Late Kick’s Josh Pate can be seen here!