Clemson predicted early CFP exit by national outlet

There are still five months until football season. And despite being in the middle of the recently named No. 5 Clemson Tigers' baseball season, it never hurts to take a break from the current sport to think about the next one up to bat, especially when it's about the College Football Playoff picture.

Brandon Marcello of 247Sports had the same thought, projecting the 2025 Playoffs. Not surprisingly, Clemson was among the 12 teams to make the cut. However, the Tigers make their way to No. 3, earning a first-round bye with the other top four seeds: Ohio State, Texas, and Utah.

In this way-too-early projection, Clemson would take on Notre Dame for the fifth time in six years. The Tigers hold the all-time winning record against the Irish, 5-3, but Marcello believes Notre Dame will close the gap, knocking Clemson out of the quarterfinal round.

While Clemson might've lucked into the CFP last season, not much stands in its way in 2025. The Tigers' toughest challenge may come at the beginning and end of the season against LSU and South Carolina, respectively. So, facing a more battle-tested team in Notre Dame may indeed spell the end for Clemson's 2025 season. But with the most returning production in college football, I wouldn't count the Tigers out so quick.

What did Clemson coach Dabo Swinney say in candid new sit-down with prominent sports host? https://t.co/Rfksf5YkNupic.twitter.com/X19strCvJj

— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) April 7, 2025

2025 CFP projections per 247Sports

First round

• No. 12 Navy at No. 5 Penn State
• No. 11 Georgia at No. 6 Notre Dame
• No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Alabama
• No. 9 LSU at No. 8 Oregon

Quarterfinals

• No. 6 Notre Dame vs. No. 3 Clemson, Orange Bowl
• No. 5 Penn State vs. No. 4 Utah, Cotton Bowl
• No. 7 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas, Sugar Bowl
• No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 1 Ohio State, Rose Bowl

Semifinals

• No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Penn State, Fiesta Bowl
• No. 2 Texas vs. No. 6 Notre Dame, Peach Bowl

National Championship

• No. 5 Penn State vs. No. 2Texas

This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: