Clemson will kick off the 2025 season with plenty of attention after the Associated Press announced its preseason All-America teams on Monday.
The Tigers were one of just five programs to put multiple players on the first team, joining Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Pittsburgh. In total, Clemson matched those schools with five selections overall across the first and second teams.
Senior quarterback Cade Klubnik, already one of the sport’s most recognizable names, was chosen as the first-team quarterback. On defense, junior defensive tackle Peter Woods earned a spot on the first-team line, highlighting the Tigers’ continued strength in the trenches.
Three other Tigers were recognized on the second team. Senior offensive tackle Blake Miller was rewarded for his consistency up front, while redshirt junior Antonio Williams gave Clemson representation at wide receiver. Junior defensive end T.J. Parker rounded out the group as a second-team choice on defense.
Clemson, ranked No. 4 in the AP preseason Top 25, shares the spotlight with Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Pittsburgh at the top of the All-America list. Each program placed at least two players on the first team, showing the level of talent expected to shape the upcoming season.
The Tigers will put their star power to the test when they host No. 9 LSU at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 30. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
Full AP Preseason All-America Teams
First-team offense
Quarterback – Cade Klubnik, fourth year, Clemson
Running backs – Jeremiyah Love, third year, Notre Dame; Nicholas Singleton, fourth year, Penn State
Tackles – Spencer Fano, fourth year, Utah; Kadyn Proctor, third year, Alabama
Guards – Olaivavega Ioane, fourth year, Penn State; Ar’maj Reed-Adams, sixth year, Texas A&M
Center – Jake Slaughter, fifth year, Florida
Tight end – Eli Stowers, fifth year, Vanderbilt
Wide receivers – Jeremiah Smith, second year, Ohio State; Ryan Williams, second year, Alabama; Jordyn Tyson, fourth year, Arizona State
All-purpose player – Desmond Reid, fourth year, Pittsburgh
Kicker – Dominic Zvada, fourth year, Michigan
First-team defense
Edge – Dylan Stewart, second year, South Carolina; Colin Simmons, second year, Texas
Tackles – Peter Woods, third year, Clemson; Zane Durant, fourth year, Penn State
Linebackers – Anthony Hill Jr., third year, Texas; West Weeks, fifth year, LSU; Kyle Louis, fourth year, Pittsburgh
Cornerbacks – Leonard Moore, second year, Notre Dame; Jermod McCoy, third year, Tennessee
Safeties – Caleb Downs, third year, Ohio State; Dillon Thieneman, third year, Oregon
Defensive back – Michael Taaffe, fifth year, Texas
Punter – Brett Thorson, fourth year, Georgia
Second-team offense
Quarterback – Garrett Nussmeier, fifth year, LSU
Running backs – Makhi Hughes, fourth year, Oregon; Isaac Brown, second year, Louisville
Tackles – Francis Mauigoa, third year, Miami; Blake Miller, fourth year, Clemson
Guards – Cayden Green, third year, Missouri; Keylan Rutledge, fourth year, Georgia Tech
Center – Parker Brailsford, fourth year, Alabama
Tight end – Max Klare, fourth year, Ohio State
Wide receivers – Antonio Williams, fourth year, Clemson; Elijah Sarratt, fourth year, Indiana; Cam Coleman, second year, Auburn
All-purpose player – Kaytron Allen, fourth year, Penn State
Kicker – Peyton Woodring, third year, Georgia
Second-team defense
Edge – T.J. Parker, third year, Clemson; Matayo Uiagalelei, third year, Oregon
Tackles – Tim Keenan III, fifth year, Alabama; Christen Miller, fourth year, Georgia
Linebackers – Taurean York, third year, Texas A&M; Harold Perkins Jr., fourth year, LSU; Aiden Fisher, fourth year, Indiana
Cornerbacks – Chandler Rivers, fourth year, Duke; D’Angelo Ponds, third year, Indiana
Safeties – Koi Perich, second year, Minnesota; KJ Bolden, second year, Georgia
Defensive back – Jalon Kilgore, third year, South Carolina
Punter – Ryan Eckley, fourth year, Michigan State