Clemson Baseball: Previewing Early Key Matchups

Tigers are ranked eighth in the Perfect Game Preseason Top 25. (Photo By: Charles Mays)

As the Clemson Tigers gear up for the 2025 baseball season, anticipation is running high. After being ranked No. 8 in the Perfect Game Preseason Rankings, the Tigers are poised to make a statement against some of the top programs in college baseball. In his third year as head coach, Erik Bakich looks to lead his Tigers to a College World Series appearance after a hard-fought Super Regional loss that ended the Tigers’ 2024 campaign. Let’s dive into the key matchups that will shape the first half of their schedule.

Shriners Children’s College Showdown

The Tigers will kick off their season in style at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, Texas. However, they will be without Coach Bakich for the first two games as he serves a two-game suspension due to his ejection in the Super Regional game against Florida. Clemson will face early tests under the roof of Globe Life Field, where the Texas Rangers play, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. This premier event features a loaded field with some of the best teams in college baseball, including Clemson’s opening opponents:

Oklahoma State (No. 25 Preseason Ranking): Just like Clemson last season, Oklahoma State ended its 2024 season with a loss to Florida in the Stillwater Regional, and with a record of 42-19, the Cowboys look to redeem themselves this season. The Cowboys bring a mix of power and depth, and their lineup is packed with heavy hitters, with guys like Nolan Schubart in their lineup. Schubart was dangerous last season; he even had a four home-run game against Wichita State. Clemson’s pitching staff will need to be on its A-game to contain this dangerous squad. We will get to see right out of the gate what the Tigers have this season. 

Arizona (No. 12 Preseason Ranking): Coming off a 36-23 season and a Pac-12 championship, Arizona transitions into the Big 12, one of college baseball’s top conferences. Arizona’s potent offense and experienced pitching staff make them one of the most complete teams in the nation. The Wildcats ended last season with the 21st best ERA in the country, 4.46. They also do a decent job of getting out of innings with double plays. Arizona was 41st in the country with 47 double plays turned. The Tigers’ defense will be tested by their speed and ability to manufacture runs. Arizona finished the 2024 season with 26 triples. That placed them third in the nation in that area. This will be an exciting one to watch as Clemson’s defense will need to be on point to handle Arizona’s speed and ability to manufacture runs.

Ole Miss Despite back-to-back disappointing seasons in 2023 and 2024, the Rebels are eager to reestablish themselves as an SEC powerhouse. Ole Miss looks to bounce back to their 2022 form, when they won it all that year. While unranked in the Perfect Game Top 25, the Rebels are no strangers to big-game environments. Expect them to bring intensity and a battle-tested roster that thrives on early-season challenges. Owen Paino, a freshman from Poughkeepsie, NY, was named the eighth-best freshman in the country by Perfect Game.

Clemson’s performance in Arlington will set the tone for the rest of the season, offering a glimpse of how they stack up against elite competition.

Rivalry Showdown with South Carolina

Not too long after returning from Texas, the Tigers will face their in-state rival, the South Carolina Gamecocks, in a highly anticipated three-game series. Rivalry matchups are always unpredictable, and both teams will look to claim early-season bragging rights. Last season’s series went to the Tigers after an Andrew Ciufo walk-off home run in game one and then a hard-fought 5-4 win at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in game two. This year's Palmetto Series promises to deliver more fireworks as Clemson battles to assert dominance in the Palmetto State. South Carolina looks to have a successful season under new head coach and current leader in wins in college baseball, Paul Mainieri. With a veteran-led team along with new faces, the Gamecocks will be no easy match for the Tigers.

ACC Matchup Against Wake Forest

Another marquee matchup on Clemson’s early schedule is a conference clash against Wake Forest (No. 16 Preseason Ranking). Coming off a 38-22 season and ending the season in the Greenville Regional, Wake Forest looks to have an improved season. The Demon Deacons have a deep pitching rotation and a lineup capable of producing big numbers. This series will provide an early test for Clemson’s ACC title aspirations. It’s a crucial matchup that could have implications for conference standings and postseason seeding.

Regional Rematch Against Coastal Carolina 

To round out the first half of Clemson’s baseball schedule this season is another in-state school, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (No. 23 Preseason Ranking). The Chanticleers are no strangers to the Tigers as they faced off against each other in last year's Clemson Regional. Clemson took both games from Coastal Carolina with scores of 4-3 and 12-5. This year, they will face off in a midweek match at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Chants are now led by Kevin Schnall after the retirement of longtime head coach Gary Gilmore. Coastal looks to return a good bit of their team from last year's team that Clemson faced in the regional. With a deep pitching staff and talented bats to go around in this lineup, this midweek matchup against Coastal Carolina will be one to watch as it will hold implications for the NCAA Tournament.

Pitcher Aidan Knaak against Coastal Carolina in the NCAA Regional (Photo By: Charles Mays)

What’s at Stake

Clemson’s No. 8 preseason ranking is a testament to the program’s talent and potential in what Erik Bakich has done in only two seasons as coach. However, early challenges against top-tier teams like Arizona, Oklahoma State, Wake Forest, and Coastal Carolina will determine how quickly the Tigers can gel together as a unit. With a balanced mix of veteran leadership and promising newcomers, Clemson has the tools to navigate a demanding schedule and propel its status as a College World Series contender this upcoming season.

Clemson fans don’t want to miss a moment of this action-packed start to the 2025 season. Doug Kingsmore Stadium is set to come alive, and the Tigers are ready to roar. The road to Omaha begins soon.