Who Stays? Who Goes? Analyzing Clemson Football’s Roster Outlook for 2025

Who Stays? Who Goes? Analyzing Clemson Football’s Roster Outlook for 2025

Clemson football has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently ranked among the top teams in the country. Under the leadership of head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have experienced unparalleled success, including multiple national championships and ACC titles. However, as the landscape of college football continues to evolve, Clemson is faced with new challenges and opportunities, particularly in terms of player development, recruiting, and roster management.

The year 2025 is on the horizon, and for Clemson, that means preparing not only for the immediate future but also building a team that can compete at the highest level for years to come. This article will delve into the various factors affecting Clemson football’s roster decisions for 2025. Who stays on the roster, and who decides to leave? The analysis will consider player eligibility, transfer portal activity, recruiting, and the broader trends shaping college football rosters.

The Current State of Clemson Football (2024-2025)

As we look toward the 2025 season, it’s essential to understand the current state of the program. Clemson, despite some recent challenges in maintaining its elite status, remains a perennial contender in the ACC and on the national stage. Swinney’s leadership, combined with strong recruiting classes, has kept the Tigers competitive. However, there has been increased competition both within the ACC and nationally.

In 2023, Clemson had a strong but somewhat inconsistent season, particularly at quarterback, where there was a revolving door at the position before Cade Klubnik emerged as the starter late in the year. Klubnik’s development is crucial to Clemson’s success moving forward, and he could be a key figure for the Tigers in 2025. The program has also produced elite talent at wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive line, with names like Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, and Trenton Simpson drawing attention at the NFL Draft level.

Despite these positives, the shifting dynamics in college football – including NIL deals, the transfer portal, and evolving recruiting methods – have led to a heightened sense of uncertainty when it comes to roster management. The question that remains: who stays and who goes?

The Transfer Portal and Its Impact on Roster Decisions

One of the most significant developments in college football over the past few seasons has been the advent of the transfer portal. The portal allows players to transfer between programs without sitting out a year, and it has drastically changed how teams manage their rosters.

For Clemson, the transfer portal has already played a crucial role in reshaping the roster. Players who might have been buried on the depth chart have found new opportunities, and the Tigers have been able to attract players from other schools to address positions of need. This trend will only intensify as we approach 2025.

Several factors influence a player’s decision to enter the transfer portal. Playing time is a major factor, as well as the opportunity to develop under a particular coaching staff. For Clemson, maintaining a competitive edge will require careful roster management, ensuring that key players don’t feel sidelined or overlooked.

For example, if a player like quarterback Cade Klubnik has a successful 2024 campaign, he could become a highly coveted asset in the NFL Draft. In such a case, Clemson will need to evaluate whether they can build a roster around his successor or need to dip into the transfer portal for a more experienced quarterback. The transfer portal has been a way for teams to immediately address such concerns, but it also means that roster stability is harder to maintain.

Who Stays? Key Returning Players

When analyzing Clemson’s roster outlook for 2025, it’s important to first identify the key players who are likely to return and form the backbone of the team. Several factors influence whether a player stays, including their eligibility, development, and draft stock. The following players could be pivotal in 2025:

1. Cade Klubnik (Quarterback)

Cade Klubnik’s development will be one of the most closely watched storylines for Clemson in 2025. As a highly touted recruit, Klubnik possesses the skill set to lead Clemson back to prominence in the ACC and beyond. His decision to stay for his junior season in 2025 will be closely tied to his performance in 2024, as well as his aspirations for the NFL Draft. If he excels, it’s likely he will declare for the draft, but if there are areas for growth, he could choose to return for another year to further develop.

2. Will Shipley (Running Back)

Will Shipley has been one of Clemson’s most consistent offensive weapons in recent years. A dynamic running back with both power and speed, Shipley will likely return for his senior season in 2025, barring any injury or unexpected development. He’s projected as a potential NFL prospect, and a standout 2024 season could set him up for a strong draft position. Shipley’s leadership and production will be critical to Clemson’s offense in 2025.

3. Trenton Simpson (Linebacker)

On defense, Trenton Simpson has emerged as one of the top linebackers in college football. A dynamic playmaker with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways, Simpson is a key piece for Clemson’s defense. While his draft stock may make him an early departure for the NFL, there’s also the possibility that he could return for another year to further develop his skills, especially if he believes it would boost his draft position. If Simpson stays for 2025, he would provide a stabilizing force for the defense.

4. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Linebacker)

Another key defender for Clemson is linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. A leader in the locker room and a player with excellent football IQ, Trotter’s ability to stay in 2025 will depend on his 2024 season and his stock for the NFL Draft. Given the growing trend of players leaving for the draft early, it’s possible Trotter could make the jump, but if he stays, he would form a dynamic duo with Simpson on the defensive side of the ball.

5. Booth and Johnson (Cornerbacks)

Clemson has long been known for producing top-tier defensive backs, and both Sheridan Booth and Nate Johnson have the potential to anchor the secondary in 2025. As highly regarded recruits, they will likely take on a more significant role in 2024. If their performances live up to expectations, they could become key pieces of the defense heading into 2025, provided they don’t enter the NFL Draft early.

Who Goes? Departures and Potential Draft Declares

While some players will choose to stay at Clemson, others will likely leave due to various factors, most notably the NFL Draft. College players, especially those who have performed at a high level, often face a difficult decision: return for another year of college ball or pursue their dreams of playing professionally. In Clemson’s case, several high-profile players could declare for the draft after the 2024 season.

1. Cade Klubnik (Quarterback)

As mentioned earlier, Cade Klubnik’s draft decision is one of the most significant to watch. If he performs well in 2024 and meets or exceeds expectations, he could declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. His development throughout the season will determine whether he stays or goes, but given his potential, the draft is a very real possibility.

2. Trenton Simpson (Linebacker)

Simpson’s decision will largely depend on how his 2024 season unfolds. If he continues to show elite ability, his stock in the NFL Draft could rise significantly. Linebackers often have a high turnover rate in college football, especially when they are as talented as Simpson. His departure would be a blow to Clemson’s defense, but it would also be expected if his draft stock is high.

3. Myles Murphy (Defensive Line)

Another potential departure is Myles Murphy, who has been one of the most talked-about defensive players for Clemson in recent years. As a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft, Murphy’s departure after 2024 seems almost inevitable if he continues his strong performance.

4. Other NFL Prospects

In addition to the players already mentioned, Clemson will likely see other departures due to NFL Draft eligibility. Players like defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, cornerback Nate Wiggins, and others could declare for the draft if they have standout seasons.

Recruiting and Incoming Freshmen

As Clemson looks to fill gaps and bolster its roster for 2025, recruiting remains a critical aspect. Swinney has long been known for his ability to recruit top-tier talent, and Clemson’s 2025 roster will include incoming freshmen who could contribute immediately.

Clemson’s focus on securing elite talent at quarterback, wide receiver, and on the defensive line will be essential for continuing the program’s success. With the emergence of NIL deals and increased competition for recruits, Clemson will need to stay competitive in the recruiting game. The Tigers have consistently landed top recruits, and their ability to maintain this pipeline will be crucial for the future.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2025

As Clemson football prepares for the 2025 season, the roster outlook remains fluid. The players who stay and those who go will have a significant impact on the program’s ability to maintain its place among college football’s elite. The transfer portal, the NFL Draft, and recruiting will all play key roles in shaping the roster.

Clemson will rely on its star players to continue their development and leadership, but the Tigers must also make smart decisions when it comes to replacing key departures. With Dabo Swinney’s leadership, the program’s commitment to excellence, and an ever-evolving roster, Clemson is well-positioned to remain a contender in 2025 and beyond. The next few years will