The next 24 hours are poised to be crucial for Clemson fans as they face a whirlwind of decisions that will shape the team’s future. Why? Because the NCAA transfer portal window for college football closes at 11:59 p.m. on December 28, marking a turning point in roster construction for 2025.
So far, the Tigers have seen four scholarship players and one walk-on enter the portal. Wide receivers Troy Stellato and Noble Johnson, along with safety Sherrod Covil, all made their exits earlier this month. Defensive end A.J. Hoffler added his name to the list this week, alongside walk-on wide receiver Jackson Crosby. While Stellato’s departure may have raised some eyebrows, the others were more predictable.
But the decision-making isn’t over. In the coming hours, more Clemson players will have to choose whether to enter the portal or commit to staying with the Tigers.
Clemson’s season wrapped up last Saturday with a tough first-round loss in the College Football Playoff, but there’s a silver lining. With the Tigers finishing their season on December 21, the transfer portal deadline for them is December 28. However, teams still in bowl games or the CFP have an extended window to enter the portal, stretching until January 6.
But the transfer portal isn’t the only ticking clock. Clemson’s NFL-bound players are also on the clock. By January 15, five players must decide whether to stay or declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, right tackle Blake Miller, wide receiver Antonio Williams, and defensive tackles DeMonte Capehart and Tre Williams will be weighing their futures.
Meanwhile, several Tigers, including running back Phil Mafah, linebacker Barrett Carter, and defensive tackle Payton Page, will move on to the next chapter, preparing for the draft as they’ve exhausted their eligibility.
And let’s not forget the decisions facing head coach Dabo Swinney. As the Tigers navigate this critical period, Swinney will be looking at changes to his coaching staff, adding another layer of uncertainty to the mix.
The next few days and weeks are packed with high-stakes decisions that will help shape Clemson’s 2025 roster and coaching staff. It’s a thrilling time for fans, with the future of the program hanging in the balance.
