Clemson football: 7 players who (probably) won’t be back in 2024
By Josh Yourish
2021 was considered one down year, a blip on the radar for Dabo Swinney when Clemson went 10-3 and missed out on the ACC Championship game. Then, in 2022 the Tigers went 11-3 and won the ACC again, so it was a surprise to find out that this program is on a downward trajectory.
Clemson is 6-4 through Week 11 and Dabo’s refusal to utilize the transfer portal might be a big reason why. Even without adding talent that way, this Clemson roster is still loaded. The Tigers have plenty of underclassmen who could be off to the next level.
The Tigers aren’t just sending their best players to the NFL, Dabo also saw a former five-star quarterback leave through the portal last offseason. Could that happen again with Cade Klubnik after a season of underwhelming play?
These are six players who could leave Clemson early, either for the NFL or another shot in college football.
1. Will Shipley, junior
Shipley has dealt with some injuries this season, specifically a head injury on a scary hit against NC State. He’s also dealt with Phil Mafah being the better running back in the same backfield.
Mafah has averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 126 carries to Shipley’s 4.8 on 123. The same amount of opportunity and Mafah has been more efficient and has eight touchdowns to Shipley’s four. Still, Shipley is someone that NFL scouts will be interested in.
The combination of Shipley’s relatively high draft stock and the impending risk of returning to be Mafah’s backup will motivate him to head for the NFL.
Oh and there’s this quote from Shipley when he was asked about the possibility of leaving early. “I’ve definitely thought a little bit about it. It’s something that’s inevitable, just the opportunities that are there after this season.”