Clemson 2025 Football Spring Game Preview: A New Look for the Tigers
As the Clemson Tigers gear up for their annual Orange and White Spring Game on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET in Memorial Stadium, fans are in for a unique experience. Coming off a 10-4 season in 2024 that saw them reclaim the ACC Championship and earn a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, the Tigers are entering the spring with momentum—and a few challenges. This year’s spring game arrives with significant changes prompted by injuries, a revamped roster featuring freshmen and transfers, and a shift in format and broadcast plans. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect, including insights from coaches and players, updates on the injury front, and key players to watch.
Changes to the Spring Game: Injuries Force Adaptation
Clemson’s 2025 spring practice has been overshadowed by a wave of injuries, prompting head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff to rethink the traditional Orange vs. White game format. With key players sidelined, the team has opted for a modified structure—less of a full-contact scrimmage and more of a controlled showcase of drills, situational work, and player development opportunities. “We’re not going to put on a full game with the roster we’ve got right now,” Swinney said on March 31. “It’s about getting these guys reps, keeping them healthy, and letting the fans see what we’re building. We’ll produce it in-house—it’ll be a good day.”
The decision to forgo a traditional broadcast in favor of an in-house production has also raised eyebrows. Unlike recent years when the game aired on ACC Network or ESPN platforms, this year’s event won’t be televised live, reflecting a growing trend among college programs wary of exposing too much during the transfer portal era. Swinney, however, brushed off tampering concerns: “Canceling the spring game ain’t gonna stop tampering. People are gonna tamper. [Players] don’t want to be here? Don’t be here. We’ll go get somebody.” The in-house stream will be available via ClemsonTigers.com, offering fans a curated glimpse of the action.
Injury Updates: Who’s Out and What It Means
The injury bug has hit Clemson hard this spring, with several key contributors either limited or ruled out entirely for the April 5 showcase. Here’s the latest on the walking wounded:
- Jay Haynes (Redshirt Sophomore RB) – Suffered an ACL tear in the ACC Championship Game in December 2024. He’s expected to miss the entire spring, with Swinney noting, “Jay’s a tough kid, and he’ll be back stronger, but we’re not rushing him.”
- Tristan Leigh (Redshirt Junior LT) – Spotted in a yellow non-contact jersey during early practices, signaling a cautious approach after a late-season tweak in 2024. “Tristan’s our rock up front,” offensive line coach Matt Luke said. “We’re just making sure he’s 100% for August.”
- Other Notables – Swinney hinted at additional players sitting out, including wide receiver Cole Turner and linebacker Barrett Carter, who are nursing minor ailments but expected to return by summer. “We’ve got some guys banged up, but nothing that’s gonna derail us long-term,” Swinney assured.
These absences open the door for younger players and newcomers to step into the spotlight, a silver lining Swinney emphasized: “Spring is about finding out who’s ready to play when the lights come on.”
Players to Watch: Freshmen and Transfers Take Center Stage
With veterans sidelined, the 2025 spring game will serve as a coming-out party for Clemson’s highly touted freshmen and strategic transfer additions. Here are the names to keep an eye on:
- Amare Adams (Freshman DL) – The five-star in-state product has been turning heads since arriving as a midyear enrollee. Swinney raved about the defensive tackle’s early impact: “He’s come in here as a freshman and does not look like a freshman. There are times when it’s like, ‘Wow, that guy is really different.’”
- Tristan Smith (Transfer WR) – A 6’5” red-zone threat from Southeast Missouri State, Smith has impressed quarterback Cade Klubnik with his size and hands. “He’s a big target out there,” Klubnik said after a recent practice. “You can just throw it up, and he’s gonna go get it.”
- Sammy Brown (Freshman LB) – The former five-star recruit has been working with the second-team defense at MIKE linebacker. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen praised his instincts: “Sammy’s got a nose for the ball. He’s picking things up fast.”
- Will Heldt (Transfer DE) – Coming from Purdue, Heldt was a late portal addition Swinney targeted to bolster the defensive line. “When ‘Clemson’ popped up on my phone, I wasn’t expecting it,” Heldt said. “But I’m here to make plays, and I’m excited to show it.”
Returning players like quarterback Cade Klubnik, entering his third year as starter, will also be focal points. After accounting for 43 combined touchdowns in 2024, Klubnik is focused on refining his game: “Spring’s about getting better every day. I’ve got some new weapons, and we’re clicking.”
What to Expect: A Focus on Development
Don’t expect a high-scoring shootout or a traditional game script this year. Instead, the Tigers will lean into positional drills, 7-on-7 work, and scripted scenarios to highlight individual progress. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley hinted at showcasing the passing game, particularly with Klubnik connecting to receivers like Smith and sophomore Antonio Williams, who’s poised for a breakout year after a 10-touchdown 2024 campaign.
Defensively, new coordinator Tom Allen’s influence will be evident. Known for his fiery approach, Allen has already injected energy into the unit. Linebackers coach Ben Boulware, a former Clemson star, echoed that sentiment: “We’re bringing toughness back. You’ll see it in how these guys hit—even in a controlled setting.”
Special teams could also steal the show, with punter Jack Smith and kicker Nolan Hauser vying to build on their 2024 performances. Hauser, the hero of the ACC title game with a 56-yard walk-off field goal, said, “I just want to keep proving I can deliver when it counts.”
Freshmen and Transfers: The Future Is Now
Clemson’s 2025 recruiting class and transfer haul signal a program reloading for another title run. Alongside Adams and Brown, freshmen like wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. and offensive lineman Ian Reed could see extended reps, offering a glimpse of the Tigers’ future. Transfers like Smith and Heldt, meanwhile, embody Swinney’s selective portal strategy: “We use it when we need it, and we got the guys we wanted,” he said.
Final Thoughts: A Spring of Opportunity
The 2025 Clemson Spring Game may lack the polish of a full scrimmage, but it promises to be a revealing look at a team in transition. With injuries forcing adjustments, the spotlight shifts to emerging talent and the integration of new faces under a coaching staff hungry to reclaim national prominence. As Swinney put it, “This is about building something special for 2025. The fans will see the heart of this team.” Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET—don’t miss it.
