Clemson’s Pinstripe Bowl preparation comes with a reality every postseason contender now faces — only magnified.
Coach Dabo Swinney revealed Monday that 26 scholarship players will be unavailable when the Tigers face Penn State on Dec. 27 at Yankee Stadium, a staggering total that reshapes the roster for Clemson’s season finale.
“Twenty-six scholarship players, that puts a strain on everybody,” Swinney said. “Seventeen due to injuries, five of them transfers.”
The total includes 17 players sidelined by injury or surgery, five players entering the transfer portal, and four NFL Draft opt-outs, leaving Clemson thin on both sides of the ball against the Nittany Lions.
NFL Decisions and Portal Movement
Clemson will be without four key contributors who have opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft: cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive linemen T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, and DeMonte Capehart. All four were expected to be central pieces in the bowl matchup before making their professional decisions.
Swinney also confirmed that Khalil Barnes (S), Keith Adams Jr. (RB), Jamal Anderson (LB), Dee Crayton (LB) and Shelton Lewis (CB) will enter the transfer portal.
“We wish them well and appreciate their contributions here as they move forward,” Swinney said.
Injuries Hit the Core
The most damaging blow comes from injuries, particularly along the offensive line and at skill positions. Clemson will be without seven offensive starters, including linemen Brayden Jacobs, Elyjah Thurmon, and Walker Parks, as well as Collin Sadler, who Swinney said is undergoing shoulder surgery.
Skill players Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., Olsen Patt-Henry, Jarvin Green, Jay Haynes, and Peyton Streko are also out, leaving Clemson shorthanded in the run game and receiving corps.
Defensively, 14 scholarship players — including seven starters — are unavailable. Linebacker Wade Woodaz required surgery after the South Carolina game, while Jahiem Lawson, Amare Adams, Armon Mason, Makhi Williams Lee, and Logan Anderson remain sidelined.
“That’s a big, long list,” Swinney said. “But guess what? Nobody cares. It’s next man up.”
Perspective and Purpose
Swinney opened his press conference by honoring George Bennett, the longtime IPTAY executive director who passed away at age 92, calling him “one of the all-time great Clemson people” and a man who left the program better than he found it.
He also reflected on the passing of former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill, sharing personal stories from his early recruiting days and Taneyhill’s later role in helping Clemson land the late Gaines Adams.
Both moments framed the afternoon — reminders that the game, even amid opt-outs and attrition, is still rooted in people and legacy.
What It Means in New York
Clemson won’t look like the team that finished the regular season. It may barely resemble it. But Swinney insists the approach won’t change.
“I’m fired up,” he said. “Excited to see these guys step up and go play.”
In a bowl season defined by availability, Clemson’s Pinstripe Bowl test won’t just be about Penn State — it will be about depth, resilience, and which Tigers seize the opportunity when the lights come on in the Bronx.