Under first-year defensive coordinator Tom Allen, Clemson’s defense took a noticeable step forward in 2025 - at least in some key areas. While it wasn’t a perfect season, there were clear signs of progress, especially when it came to stopping the run.
Let’s start with the numbers. The Tigers trimmed their points allowed per game from 23.4 in 2024 down to 20.5 in 2025.
That’s not just a small cosmetic improvement - that’s the kind of shift that can swing close games and keep a team in contention week after week. And it wasn’t just about keeping teams off the scoreboard.
Clemson’s front seven turned into a legitimate strength under Allen’s watch.
After struggling mightily against the run the year before, Clemson cracked the top 25 nationally in two critical rushing categories. They held opponents to just 105.46 rushing yards per game (16th in the FBS) and gave up only 3.54 yards per carry (25th).
That’s a dramatic turnaround and speaks volumes about the physicality and discipline Allen brought to the defensive front. The Tigers were more gap sound, tackled better in space, and played with a noticeable edge - all signs of a defense that bought into a new system and executed it.
But while the run defense surged, the secondary had a rough go of it. Clemson finished 120th nationally in pass defense, giving up 251.2 yards per game through the air.
That’s a glaring weak spot, and it wasn’t just a Clemson issue - the ACC as a whole struggled to contain opposing passing games. In fact, six other ACC programs finished behind the Tigers in pass defense.
Still, that doesn’t soften the blow.
One reason for the inflated passing numbers? Clemson faced a lot of throws.
Only SMU saw more pass attempts per game (40.2) than the Tigers did (37.2). That kind of volume can expose even solid secondaries, and it’s clear that Clemson’s back end wasn’t up to the task consistently.
Whether it was breakdowns in coverage, missed assignments, or a lack of depth in the defensive backfield, the pass defense became the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise improving unit.
Now, with spring practice about a month away, the focus shifts to 2026. There’s optimism - and not just the kind you get from a clean slate.
With a full season under Allen’s belt and a better understanding of where the defense needs to grow, there’s a real opportunity to tighten things up on the back end. If the Tigers can pair last year’s improved run defense with a secondary that holds its own, this group could evolve into one of the more balanced and dangerous defenses in the ACC.
Clemson showed in 2025 that it can take a punch and respond. Now it’s about building on that foundation and turning potential into production - especially when the ball’s in the air.