Clemson football’s 2025 season will waste no time grabbing national headlines, with a heavyweight showdown against LSU set to open the year — a matchup FOX Sports calls one of the 10 games that will define the regular season.

Two top-10 teams are expected to clash in Week 1, but the spotlight might shine brightest on Clemson, which looks poised to reload for another championship push. Brian Kelly and LSU enter with plenty to prove after an aggressive offseason in the portal and the return of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. But Kelly’s record in openers at LSU — 0-3 so far — means Tiger fans are demanding to see this program finally break through on the big stage.

Clemson, meanwhile, looks like the steadier pick according to FOX’s early outlook. Dabo Swinney has doubled down on his approach in recent years, and the Tigers return a roster stacked with high-end talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is listed as FOX’s No. 1 quarterback heading into the season, and he’ll lead an offense that should be explosive out of the gate. A deep, experienced defense only adds to Clemson’s edge.

Beyond the playoff implications for both teams, the conference stakes are high. An LSU win would give the SEC an early bragging right in the CFP debate — especially if Clemson rolls through the ACC again. For Clemson, a statement win in Week 1 could be the spark for a season that has all the ingredients for another deep postseason run.

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