Clemson University’s football team faces a challenging reality as they prepare for the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State on December 27 at Yankee Stadium. Head Coach Dabo Swinney announced on Monday that a staggering 26 scholarship players will be unavailable for this crucial postseason matchup. The significant player absences, driven by injuries and roster changes, have left the Tigers in a precarious position for their season finale.
“Twenty-six scholarship players, that puts a strain on everybody,” Swinney said, noting that 17 of those absences stem from injuries, with five players having entered the transfer portal. The team is also dealing with four players who have opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, intensifying the challenges ahead as they face the Nittany Lions.
The losses include key contributors such as cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive linemen T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, and DeMonte Capehart. All four were expected to play significant roles in the bowl game before making decisions regarding their professional futures. Additionally, players Khalil Barnes (S), Keith Adams Jr. (RB), Jamal Anderson (LB), Dee Crayton (LB), and Shelton Lewis (CB) will also be entering the transfer portal, further depleting the Tigers’ roster.
The injuries have hit hard, particularly along the offensive line and at critical skill positions. Clemson will be without seven offensive starters, including linemen Brayden Jacobs, Elyjah Thurmon, and Walker Parks. Additionally, Collin Sadler will undergo shoulder surgery, further complicating the team’s preparations. Skill players such as Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., Olsen Patt-Henry, Jarvin Green, Jay Haynes, and Peyton Streko are also sidelined, leaving the Tigers shorthanded in both the run game and receiving corps.
Defensively, Clemson finds itself in an even more precarious situation with 14 scholarship players unavailable, including seven starters. Linebacker Wade Woodaz required surgery after the recent game against South Carolina, while players Jahiem Lawson, Amare Adams, Armon Mason, Makhi Williams Lee, and Logan Anderson remain out due to injuries. “That’s a big, long list,” Swinney acknowledged. “But guess what? Nobody cares. It’s next man up.”
Swinney opened his press conference by honoring George Bennett, the longtime IPTAY executive director who recently passed away at age 92. He described Bennett as “one of the all-time great Clemson people,” emphasizing the legacy that continues to influence the program. Swinney also reflected on the passing of former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill, sharing personal stories that underscored the human element of college football, even amid the challenges posed by player attrition.
As the Tigers head to New York, it’s clear that they will not resemble the team that concluded the regular season. Swinney remains optimistic, asserting that the approach will not change despite the circumstances. “I’m fired up,” he stated. “Excited to see these guys step up and go play.” The Pinstripe Bowl presents not just a test against Penn State but a trial of depth, resilience, and the ability of players to seize opportunities when it matters most.
In a bowl season defined by availability, Clemson’s upcoming challenge will serve as a litmus test for the team’s character and depth. The players stepping onto the field in the Bronx will carry the weight of their predecessors while aiming to uphold the Clemson legacy amidst unprecedented challenges.
