What time is Clemson kickoff?

All right, college sports fans -- in this video, we have some tremendous in-depth analysis for you about the biggest matchup in the South for Week 1, as Clemson plays host to LSU with top quarterbacks Cade Klubnik of the Tigers and Garrett Nussmeier of the ... the other Tigers ... preparing for a duel in Death Valley. How will the battles in the trenches unfold for both sides of the ball? Which secondary stands the better chance holding off some other-worldly wide receiver corps on Saturday night in Clemson? Join us to hear our keys to the game and be sure to add your own in the comments. For our preseason series content, see our Tiger Trends blog at ClemsonKickoff.com. We're glad you found us! Y'all be sure to watch on YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff so you can share your reactions in the comments, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff!

Clemson is set at quarterback with one of the best returning quarterbacks in the country in Cade Klubnik. The senior has won two ACC championships and led Clemson back to the College Football Playoff last year. He has thrown for 7,180 yards with 57 touchdowns during his career and is one of the unquestioned leaders on the roster. 

How Klubnik goes could be how the offense goes this season. He has played well during his career and developed into a terrific quarterback. But there are still things that can improve with his consistency, which impacts the offense’s consistency. Klubnik took a big step forward last year. If he can do that again, this could be a special season for the offense.

But what about behind him? Christopher Vizzina has waited his turn and improved, and he is entering his third year with the program (he’s a sophomore with a redshirt).

It would be nice to see him get a little more playing time this season, especially if the offense is humming behind Klubnik and can give Vizzina some meaningful reps. That could be important for 2026, as well, as the coaching staff would need to know what it has in Vizzina. 

Junior Trent Pearman, who made a name for himself in the spring game in 2024, most likely would be next, but true freshman Chris Denson is an intriguing prospect. Denson likely won’t be ready this season, but it could be good for his development if he got some snaps, even if they came in mop-up situations.

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Clemson’s wide receivers group has been filled with injuries, questions and struggles in recent years. It looks like this year’s group can change that trend, as it has plenty of answers and options for any questions that may arise. 
That confidence starts with the first-team group.

After an injury-plagued 2023, Antonio Williams had a terrific bounce-back 2024 with 75 receptions, 904 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he has 153 career receptions for 1,732 yards and 17 touchdowns.  

Bryant Wesco Jr. caught 41 passes for 708 yards and five touchdowns with 11 starts and was a Freshman All-American in 2024, while fellow freshman T.J. Moore had 651 yards and five touchdowns on 45 receptions. They both can become even bigger pieces for the offense this season. 

That’s an impressive first group.

But, unlike several of the past few seasons, there is plenty of depth this year, which gives the offensive coaches and quarterback Cade Klubnik options. 

Tyler Brown was the team’s leading receiver in 2003 but played in only six games in 2004. Having him back healthy is huge. Tristan Smith was a big get in the transfer portal and gives the Tigers a big body at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, while Cole Turner is still around to make big plays (and he has done just that throughout his career).

For the first time in a few years, Clemson has the weapons, talent and depth at wide receiver to get big things done offensively. With the running back group facing a bit of a transition year, it will be important for the wide receivers to step up and get the job done in 2025.

Who are your favorites? Tell us in the comments at YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff so you can share your reactions in the comments, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff!

Jake Briningstool is Clemson’s all-time leading receiver at tight end, and he’s no longer with the program after moving on to the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s certainly a big loss entering 2025, but it doesn’t necessarily mean tight end is a hole in the Tigers’ offense. 

Olson Patt-Henry and Josh Sapp both had an impact on the team last year and should be ready for bigger roles this season. Patt-Henry had nine catches for 121 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, while Sapp has 13 catches in his career for 123 yards and two touchdowns. 

It will be a big jump for them to take over for Briningstool, but they have the talent to get that done. 

Redshirt freshman Christian Bentancur is a name to keep an eye on after having one catch for 7 yards in six games last year. The Illinois product was a consensus top 125 player nationally coming out of high school, and this season should offer him to opportunity to show off those talents. 

True freshman Logan Brooking and former Clemson basketball star Ian Schieffelein are both projects, but they both have the athleticism to help the team if and when they get their chances.

Who are your favorites? Tell us in the comments at YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff so you can share your reactions in the comments, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff!