Clemson Football’s 2025 Roster Outlook
As Clemson’s 2024 season concludes with a loss to Texas in the College Football Playoff, the team is focused on roster decisions for 2025. Coach Dabo Swinney has expressed confidence in retaining most scholarship players, emphasizing the potential of the team’s underclassmen. However, key stay-or-go decisions and transfer portal activity will shape the roster in the coming weeks.
Departures
Clemson entered the 2024 season with 85 scholarship players. Twelve players are confirmed to depart due to transfers or the completion of their eligibility:
- Transfers: WR Troy Stellato, WR Noble Johnson, DB Sherrod Covil Jr., DE A.J. Hoffler
- Eligibility Expired: P Aidan Swanson, QB Paul Tyson, FS R.J. Mickens, TE Jake Briningstool, LB Barrett Carter, RB Phil Mafah, DT Payton Page, OL Marcus Tate
These departures reduce the scholarship roster to 73 players.
NFL Draft Decisions
Several players are weighing their options for the 2025 NFL Draft:
- DT DeMonte Capehart (super senior)
- OT Blake Miller (junior)
- WR Antonio Williams (redshirt sophomore)
Coach Swinney has stated that star quarterback Cade Klubnik is expected to return for his senior year. Players have until January 15, 2025, to declare for the draft.
Additional Eligibility
Three players have a potential sixth year of eligibility due to the COVID year:
- DT Tré Williams
- OL Trent Howard
- FS Tyler Venables
Retention Strategies
Clemson plans to use new NCAA revenue-sharing rules to retain key players, allocating significant funds from the $20.5 million allowed for athlete compensation. This financial strategy is aimed at retaining top talent like Cade Klubnik, Antonio Williams, and others who could command competitive compensation.
Incoming Players and Scholarship Limits
Clemson is adding 15 high school recruits and two transfers (WR Tristan Smith and DE Will Heldt). The team faces a cap of 85 scholarships under NCAA rules and may need to make additional adjustments, including potentially reverting two current scholarship players to walk-on status.
Final Adjustments
The transfer portal remains open through December 28, and another window in April could prompt further changes. Clemson will likely finalize its roster during spring practice and adjust as needed to comply with scholarship limits.
This ongoing process will determine how the Tigers approach the 2025 season.
Leave a Reply