ACC Football Power Rankings: Can anyone topple Clemson?

Key returning players: D.J. Uiagelelei, Lyn-J Dixon, Justyn Ross, Bryan Bresee, James Skalski, Nolan Turner

Key losses: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Jackson Carman, Amari Rogers, Cornell Powell

Season Outlook: The Clemson Tigers have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the ACC with the way they have recruited the last three seasons. Despite losing Trevor Lawrence, Amari Rogers and Travis Etienne, the offense is as loaded as it has ever been.

Justyn Ross’ return makes an already loaded receiver room even better. It might sound pretentious to say, but new starting quarterback D.J. Uiagelelei could be as good and possibly better than Trevor Lawrence.

Clemson does not have one running back like Travis Etienne; they have three. Will Shipley is the receiver and home run hitter that Etienne was. Lyn-J Dixon is as good as a better blocker in the passing game, and Phil Mafah is as physical.

The Clemson offense is as limited as offensive coordinator Tony Elliot’s imagination with this much talent. There is lots of inexperience, however. Frank Ladson and Joseph Ngata are talented, but this is their first year as the primary receivers.

That’s not to mention the defense returns everyone from last year, including a healthy Xavier Thomas and Bryan Bresee. James Skalski anchors the linebackers, and Nolan Turner leads the secondary.