Clemson’s linebacker unit is shaping up to be a major strength in 2025, earning recognition as one of the top groups in the country. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Clemson’s linebackers ninth nationally ahead of the upcoming college football season.
With Tom Allen stepping in as defensive coordinator and Ben Boulware taking over as linebackers coach, head coach Dabo Swinney is optimistic about the unit’s improvement. Although Barrett Carter has moved on to the NFL, the team still boasts key players like senior leader Wade Woodaz and sophomore standout Sammy Brown. Clemson also added former five-star recruit Jeremiah Alexander through the transfer portal after his first three seasons at Alabama.
Returning for his fourth year is Kobe McCloud, who missed last season with an ACL injury. Dee Crayton and Jamal Anderson enter their third seasons, while C.J. Kubah-Taylor, who redshirted last year, now has some game experience.
PFF’s Max Chadwick highlighted the strength of the Woodaz-Brown duo, calling it a blend of veteran leadership and youthful potential. Woodaz, who was an honorable mention on PFF’s top-10 linebacker rankings, brings versatility from his background as a safety. Last season, he forced five incompletions, intercepted three passes since 2023, and recorded 22 pressures—ranking in the top 20 among Power Four linebackers. Brown, a five-star recruit from 2024, played 454 snaps as a freshman and tied for 17th in sacks among Power Four linebackers. He is expected to step into a full-time starting role this season.
Clemson will open the 2025 season against LSU, whose linebacker unit ranks second in PFF’s ratings, just behind Texas. LSU’s Whit Weeks is ranked third nationally after a strong sophomore season, recording 21 tackles for loss or no gain and 25 pressures, both among the best in the country. Harold Perkins Jr., a redshirt junior recovering from a torn ACL, remains one of the top linebackers. Davhon Keyes, another sophomore, earned strong grades in run defense and coverage last year. LSU also has three top-10 linebacker recruits in Tylen Singleton, Charles Ross, and Jaiden Braker.
In the ACC, only Pittsburgh joins Clemson in PFF’s top linebacker rankings, placing third overall. The rest of the top five includes Georgia and Notre Dame. Kansas State rounds out the top 10 behind Clemson, with teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas A\&M also ranked ahead.
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