No. 8 Clemson 2025 College Top 25 Preview
Image credit: Cam Cannarella (Photo Courtesy of Clemson Athletics)
- Last season: 34-16 (20-10 ACC); eliminated in Clemson Super Regional
- Final 2024 ranking: No. 11
- Coach (record at school): Erik Bakich (88-35, 3rd season)
You can find our complete 2025 preseason Top 25 ranking here.
The Good News
Erik Bakich’s second season atop the Clemson program produced a regular season conference title in a loaded ACC for the first time since 2018, as well as a Super Regional appearance for the first time since 2010. The Tigers return the central figures from that impressive 2024 campaign, specifically projected early first-rounder center fielder Cam Cannarella and 2024 freshman All-American right-handed starter Aidan Knaak, who paced all Division I pitchers in whiff rate on changeups (minimum 250 attempts). Clemson also notably added reigning Big Ten freshman of the year and former Purdue first baseman Luke Gaffney, who produced a .359/.449/.646 line with 15 doubles, 13 home runs and 64 RBIs in 2024 and should help offset some losses via the draft.
The Bad News
If you ask Bakich what made his 2024 team so successful, the now-third-year coach would likely tell you it was the group’s unwavering belief in itself and ability to generate magnificent comeback victories even in what appeared to be bleak situations. Much of that identity was generated by seniors Blake Wright, Jimmy Obertop and Jacob Hinderleider, who combined to produce 52.3% of Clemson’s home run production. Bakich is confident that players like Cannarella will be able to sustain the team’s fierce identity, but Clemson will surely need him and others to step up at the plate to carry over their offensive firepower, which played a vital role in the Tigers’ 2024 success.
Player To Know
Cam Cannarella set a high bar for his collegiate career when he burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2023 and earned ACC freshman of the year honors. He followed it up with an outstanding sophomore season, hitting .337/.417/.561 with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 60 RBIs in 58 games. The Hartsville, SC native also established himself as one of college baseball’s best center fielders and made one of the best catches of the season in an extra-inning, super regional thriller against Florida. Cannarella enters the season ranked sixth among 2025 draft prospects.
Path To Omaha
Bakich’s first two teams at Clemson have steadily progressed and checked big boxes. In 2023, the Tigers returned to the postseason for the first time since 2019. A year later, they won their first ACC regular season title since 2018 and snapped a 12-year super regional drought. The Tigers return much of their core talent for Bakich’s third season, which could see the program return to Omaha for the first time since 2010 if key players continue to mature and improve.
Projected 2025 Lineup
| Pos | Player | Year | AVG | OBP | SLG | AB | HR | RBI | Note |
| C | Jacob Jarrell | Jr. | .289 | .388 | .526 | 97 | 6 | 24 | |
| 1B | Luke Gaffney* | R-So. | .359 | .449 | .646 | 209 | 13 | 64 | Purdue |
| 2B | Jarren Purify | So. | .249 | .345 | .358 | 165 | 3 | 28 | |
| 3B | Andrew Ciufo | Sr. | .280 | .378 | .387 | 93 | 2 | 16 | |
| SS | Josh Paino* | Sr. | .296 | .377 | .535 | 230 | 11 | 38 | California Baptist |
| OF | Dominic Listi* | Sr. | .324 | .464 | .431 | 216 | 3 | 31 | Indiana State |
| OF | Cam Cannarella | Jr. | .337 | .417 | .561 | 246 | 11 | 60 | |
| OF | Tristan Bissetta | R-Jr. | .298 | .401 | .511 | 141 | 7 | 34 | |
| DH | Collin Priest* | So. | .279 | .445 | .578 | 147 | 11 | 30 | Michigan |
| Pos | Player | Year | GS | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO | BB | Note |
| SP | Aidan Knaak | So. | 15 | 83.1 | 3.35 | 1.15 | 108 | 29 | |
| SP | Ethan Darden | Jr. | 11 | 66.2 | 5.13 | 1.44 | 42 | 15 | |
| SP | Justin Leguernic | So. | 1 | 6.2 | 6.75 | 2.55 | 10 | 11 | |
| RP | Lucas Mahlstedt | Sr. | 0 | 53.1 | 4.73 | 1.33 | 39 | 15 | |
| RP | Jacob McGovern | So. | 0 | 18.1 | 1.96 | 1.15 | 20 | 8 |
