Clemson Tigers Roster Update: Navigating Challenges Ahead of 2025 Pinstripe Bowl Against Penn State
As the Clemson Tigers gear up for their matchup against Penn State in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl on December 27, 2025, at Yankee Stadium, head coach Dabo Swinney’s squad is facing a daunting reality. The Tigers, who finished the regular season at 7-5, will be without a staggering 27 scholarship players due to a combination of NFL Draft opt-outs, transfer portal departures, and injuries. This roster depletion has been a focal point during this week’s on-campus bowl practices, where younger players are stepping into the spotlight amid preparations for the Big Ten foe.
Swinney addressed the situation head-on during a press conference earlier this week, emphasizing resilience over regret. “We’ve got a big challenge, but I’m excited about the challenge,” Swinney said, acknowledging that the absences “puts a strain on everybody.”
He shifted the narrative toward the players remaining, stating, “We’re not worried about who opted out. We’re focused on who opted in. That’s our focus: Who opted in, who’s finishing this game with us.”
Swinney also noted that any player not mentioned in the list of absences is fully committed and participating.Breakdown of Absences: Opt-Outs, Transfers, and InjuriesClemson’s roster challenges are multifaceted, with key starters and depth pieces sidelined across all position groups. Here’s a categorized overview based on the latest updates:NFL Draft Opt-Outs (4 Players)These players have chosen to forgo the bowl game to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, dealing a blow to the Tigers’ defense:CB Avieon Terrell (Starter)
DT Peter Woods (Starter)
DE T.J. Parker (Starter)
DT DeMonte Capehart (Starter)
Swinney highlighted these decisions as part of the modern college football landscape, but practices this week have shown the impact, particularly on the defensive line.
Transfer Portal Departures (5 Players)Several underclassmen have entered the portal, seeking new opportunities elsewhere:RB Keith Adams Jr. (Reserve)
LB Jamal Anderson (Reserve)
LB Dee Crayton (Reserve)
CB Shelton Lewis (Reserve)
S Khalil Barnes (Starting SS)
This group includes rotational pieces who could have provided valuable snaps in a shorthanded scenario.
Injured or Unavailable Players (18 Players)The bulk of the absences stem from injuries, with the offensive line and running back room hit especially hard. Some injuries were confirmed or observed during this week’s practices:OT Brayden Jacobs
OT Elyjah Thurmon
OG Walker Parks
OG Collin Sadler (Shoulder surgery; out for bowl)
OT Easton Ware
RB Jarvis Green
RB Jay Haynes
RB Peyton Streko
TE Olsen Patt-Henry
TE Ian Schieffelin (Reserve; undisclosed)
WR Bryant Wesco Jr.
WR Antonio Williams (Starter; injury)
DE Jahiem Lawson
DE Armon Mason
DT Amare Adams
DT Makhi Williams-Lee
LB Wade Woodaz (Starter)
LB Logan Anderson
This list brings the total to 27, with Swinney confirming the tally during Monday’s media availability.
The injuries have forced adjustments, such as Ronan O’Connell stepping in at first-team left guard in place of Sadler.
This Week’s Practice Coverage: Adjustments and Emerging TalentBowl preparations kicked off late last week, with media-open sessions on Monday (Day 4) and Wednesday (Day 6) providing insights into how the Tigers are adapting. Practices
On Day 4, quarterback Cade Klubnik was limited to mental reps, not throwing due to a thumb injury sustained against South Carolina. He wore a black brace on his throwing hand but was back throwing by Day 6.
Wide receiver Cole Turner remained in a yellow non-contact jersey both days, sidelined during warm-ups, while T.J. Moore progressed from a green limited jersey on Day 4 to full participation by Day 6.
The defensive line looks particularly thin without Woods, Capehart, and Parker. Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green have been running as starters at defensive tackle, with backups like Champ Thompson and Hevin Brown-Shuler getting reps. Zaire Patterson has even shifted from another position to help at DT.
At defensive end, Will Heldt and Cade Denhoff are poised to start, with coach Chris Rumph providing hands-on feedback to prospects like Darien Mayo and Markus Dixon.Linebackers coach Ben Boulware was notably vocal during drills on Day 6, pushing his group to improve. After a missed assignment by linebacker Kobe McCloud, Boulware exclaimed, “We just lost the game, Kobe!” Conversely, he praised C.J. Kubah-Taylor after a strong rep: “The whole rep was beautiful, Kubah!”
Safety Ronan Hanafin appeared gimpy after a drill on Day 6, adding to concerns, while he and Ricardo Jones have been taking starting reps.
Several players missed portions due to the flu, further straining the roster.
Swinney kept the mood light, reminding seniors during Wednesday’s session that it was their last full practice in Clemson before light work on Thursday and Sunday, followed by the team’s departure to New York on Monday.
Former Tiger Jacoby Ford was spotted assisting with wide receivers, and festive Christmas music played during stretches, injecting some holiday spirit into the grind.Looking Ahead: Opportunity Amid AdversityDespite the absences, Swinney views the bowl as a springboard for 2026, with young talents like O’Connell, Burley, and Denhoff getting invaluable experience. The Tigers’ 52nd bowl appearance (27-24 all-time, 12-9 under Swinney) will test their depth, but the focus remains on those who’ve “opted in.”
As practices wrap up this week, Clemson aims to channel the underdog energy into a strong showing against a Penn State team also dealing with its own opt-outs.
This roster update underscores the evolving nature of college football, where bowl games increasingly serve as auditions for the future. For Clemson, the Pinstripe Bowl represents not just a season finale, but a chance to build momentum with a resilient core.
