Who Stays? Who Goes? Analyzing Clemson Football’s Roster Outlook for 2025
As Clemson football continues to assert itself as one of the premier programs in college football, its future roster for the 2025 season is increasingly a point of focus. With the team poised to compete at the highest level, understanding which players are likely to stay and who may depart is crucial for both fans and analysts alike. This analysis delves into potential roster changes, taking into account the team’s current roster, recruiting trends, and the broader landscape of college football. In doing so, we examine the players who may remain at Clemson through the 2025 season and those who could move on due to graduation, the NFL draft, or transfers.
Quarterback Position: Stability or Change?
The quarterback position will likely be one of the most watched areas of Clemson’s roster for 2025. As of now, the Tigers have an intriguing mix of young talent and experienced players.
Cade Klubnik, a highly touted recruit who took over as the starter in the 2023 season, is expected to be the leader for the foreseeable future. If he continues to develop as expected, it is likely that he will stay at Clemson through 2025, as he would still have time to hone his skills and push for an NFL draft spot after his junior season. Klubnik’s performance in the upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining if he stays for a full four-year stint or opts for the NFL early.
Behind Klubnik, Hunter Helms and other potential backups may look to transfer if they see limited playing time. However, the situation at quarterback is typically stable, with depth chart changes being less frequent unless there is significant competition or injury. Thus, unless Klubnik’s performance falters or there’s a surprising new arrival, it’s reasonable to expect he’ll stay through 2025.
Running Back: Depth and Development
Clemson’s running back room has seen a lot of talent over the past few years, and for 2025, it is likely to be no different. Players like Will Shipley and Phil Mafah have been key contributors in the backfield, providing both power and speed. Shipley, in particular, has displayed elite playmaking ability and may choose to enter the NFL draft following the 2024 season if he continues his strong performance. Given his potential, it’s likely Shipley will be one of the most highly sought-after running backs in the 2024 draft class, meaning his time at Clemson will likely be limited to a three-year career.
Phil Mafah, while less hyped than Shipley, has been a reliable option for the Tigers. Depending on how he performs in the coming seasons, he may have the opportunity to stay at Clemson through 2025, but it will depend largely on how he fares relative to incoming recruits or transfers. If Mafah is able to establish himself as a key piece in the offense, he could be in line for a significant role through 2025.
As for younger talent, the emergence of recruits like Jarvis Green or Rocco Spindler may push out some older players or lead to competition for playing time. If these younger players show significant promise, they might become starters earlier, while veterans could be forced to consider transferring or leaving for the NFL.
Wide Receiver: Young Talent on the Rise
Clemson’s wide receiver room is one of the program’s strongest, with several players poised to make an impact over the next few seasons. Antonio Williams, who showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman season, is expected to be a fixture in the offense. Given the trend of talented receivers leaving for the NFL early, it is likely that Williams could be one of those players who declares for the draft after his sophomore or junior season, depending on his progression.
Other young receivers, such as Beaux Collins and Cole Turner, have also shown potential, but their future at Clemson will largely depend on how they perform relative to incoming recruiting classes and the offensive system. If they do not secure a starting spot by 2025, they may consider transferring to other programs for more opportunities.
Incoming freshmen and top recruits will also play a major role in reshaping the wide receiver position. Clemson has consistently brought in talented wideouts, and the 2024 and 2025 classes are expected to bolster that depth. This influx of new talent could push out some veterans or create more competition for the starting roles, leading to possible transfers or shifts in playing time.
Offensive Line: Building for the Future
Clemson’s offensive line has been a bit of a question mark in recent years, but with the 2025 season on the horizon, the program is working hard to build a stable and effective unit. Walker Parks and Jordan McFadden have been key contributors, and while they may have opportunities to leave for the NFL after 2024, their potential departure will depend on their draft projections. Should these veterans decide to stay for an additional year, it would provide much-needed stability.
However, depth is essential on the offensive line, and players like Tristan Leigh and Bobby Haskins could play pivotal roles in 2025. While younger players may continue to develop, it’s also possible that the program could look for transfer portal additions to bolster the line further.
Defense: Talent and Potential Departures
Clemson’s defense has long been one of the most elite units in college football, and with the talent it continues to recruit, 2025 will likely see another dominant defensive squad.
On the defensive line, Miles Murphy and Xavier Thomas have been among the top players in recent years, but it’s expected that both will depart for the NFL after the 2024 season. Their combination of size, speed, and strength makes them prime candidates for early departure. Their exits could open up opportunities for younger players like Cade Denhoff and TJ Parker, who will need to step up in 2025.
In the linebacker corps, Trenton Simpson is a player to watch, and if he maintains his high level of play, he could depart for the NFL after his junior year. However, Clemson’s linebacking unit has always had depth, and players like Barrett Carter and Jake Venables are poised to take over leadership roles. These players will be crucial to maintaining Clemson’s defensive dominance in 2025.
The secondary, with players like Sheridan Jones and R.J. Mickens, will continue to evolve as the season progresses. These players may be key contributors in 2025, but it will depend on their development and their decision to stay for a potential senior season or leave for the NFL early.
Special Teams: Kicking and Punting Stability
Special teams are often an overlooked aspect of college football, but for Clemson, maintaining a solid kicking game will be essential in 2025. With B.T. Potter’s graduation after 2023, the Tigers will need to replace their veteran kicker. The incoming recruits and the development of current players in the program will determine who fills that role, but stability at kicker and punter will be vital for Clemson to maintain its competitive edge.
Recruiting Trends and Transfers
Clemson’s ability to recruit top-tier talent will be key in reshaping its roster for 2025. The Tigers are expected to continue bringing in some of the best high school players in the country, which will likely create depth in all areas of the field. With the transfer portal continuing to be a significant factor in college football, Clemson may also add key players who can contribute immediately, especially on the offensive line or in the secondary.
Conclusion
As Clemson football looks ahead to the 2025 season, the program’s roster will undergo a combination of natural turnover through the NFL draft, graduation, and the transfer portal. Some of the key players to watch, like Cade Klubnik, Will Shipley, and several defensive stars, may leave after strong performances, while others will stay to continue developing under head coach Dabo Swinney’s leadership.
Overall, Clemson is in a strong position for 2025, with a mixture of experienced players and incoming recruits that should allow the Tigers to remain competitive in the ACC and on the national stage. As always, the key will be player development, maintaining roster stability, and ensuring the next generation of talent is ready to take over when the time comes.
