ESPN Ranks 3 Tigers Among Top 100 Players of 2024

With the latest college football campaign in the books, ESPN ranked the top 100 players of the 2024-25 season.

Three Clemson stars made the list, including sophomore defensive end T.J. Parker, junior quarterback Cade Klubnik and senior linebacker Barrett Carter.

Parker led the Tigers in ESPN’s ranking and cracked the top 50, coming in at No. 46.

“As good as any defender in the country over the second half of the season, Parker utterly dominated Clemson’s last six games on the D-line, in which he racked up 6 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles,” ESPN wrote. “For the season, Parker ranked third in the ACC in sacks (11), second in TFLs (19.5) and second nationally in forced fumbles with six. He did all of that despite Clemson’s defensive line turning in its worst season overall in more than a decade. Expect even bigger things in 2025 as the Tigers reload upfront, building around Parker and fellow D-lineman Peter Woods.”

Klubnik appeared seven spots behind Parker on the list, with Klubnik ranked No. 53.

“After an uneven first two seasons at Clemson, Klubnik finally put it all together in 2024 and emerged as one of the best QBs in the country,” ESPN wrote. “Klubnik topped 4,000 yards of total offense and racked up 43 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions all season. His finish to 2024, however, might be the biggest reason for optimism moving forward. In his last three games, all vs. top-15 teams, he completed 62% of his throws for 878 yards with nine touchdowns. Klubnik likely enters 2025 as one of the favorites for the Heisman trophy.”

Carter rounded out ESPN’s ranking as its No. 100 player of the 2024-25 season.

“Carter was Clemson’s most versatile defender and defensive leader in 2024,” ESPN wrote. “He finished with 82 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and 8 QB hurries. Carter excelled as a pass rusher (13 pressures), a run defender (11 tackles for a loss or no gain on runs) and in pass defense, breaking up nine passes on 388 snaps in coverage. He finished his four-year stint at Clemson as one of the school’s most prolific defenders, racking up 231 career tackles.”

Former Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba, who transferred to Texas ahead of the 2024-25 season, checked in at No. 93 in ESPN’s ranking.

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, earned the No. 1 spot on the list.

Along with the trio of Tigers, other ACC players on the list include Miami quarterback Cam Ward (No. 3), Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (No. 19), North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (No. 21), Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord (No. 37), Cal cornerback Nohl Williams (No. 43), Virginia Tech defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland (No. 44), SMU running back Brashard Smith (No. 49), Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (No. 50), Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis (No. 86), Pitt running back Desmond Reid (No. 94), Louisville wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks (No. 96) and North Carolina offensive guard Willie Lampkin (No. 98).