For the Clemson Tigers, bowl season has become something more than preparation — it has become an audition.
More than 20 injuries and opt-outs have reshaped Clemson’s roster ahead of its Pinstripe Bowl matchup with the Penn State Nittany Lions, forcing the Tigers to lean heavily on younger players during practice. One name has consistently stood out, according to head coach Dabo Swinney: freshman wide receiver Juju Preston.
“He’s really taken advantage of it,” Swinney said. “It’s been fun to experiment with him and his skill set. His development has shot through the roof.”
Extra Reps, Real Progress
With Antonio Williams and Cole Turner sidelined for the bowl, Preston has absorbed a larger share of practice reps — exactly the scenario Clemson envisioned when it planned a redshirt season for the young receiver.
Preston has appeared in just one game this season, preserving his redshirt since bowl games do not count toward eligibility. His lone action came against Furman, where he caught a four-yard pass and returned a punt for 10 yards.
Those limited snaps, however, tell only part of the story.
Physical Growth Matches Confidence
Swinney said Preston’s improvement began earlier in the year, highlighted by significant gains in the weight room. The Virginia native has added roughly 15 pounds since arriving on campus, a key step for a player listed at 6 feet, 155 pounds.
“He’s always played big, he’s always played strong, even though he really isn’t big or strong,” Swinney said. “But he’s really developing. I’ve been proud of Juju. He has bought in.”
Proven Playmaker Background
Preston arrived at Clemson with one of the most decorated résumés in Virginia high school history. He finished with 67 career touchdowns — the most ever by a receiver in the state — and totaled 185 receptions for 3,700 yards at Freedom High School and Hayfield Secondary School.
Despite appearing in just five games as a senior at Hayfield, Preston caught 27 passes for 501 yards and eight touchdowns, helping his team reach the regional semifinals. Earlier, he was part of a dominant stretch at Freedom, winning back-to-back state championships and compiling a 28–0 record over the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Recruiting services took notice. On3 ranked him the No. 59 wide receiver nationally and the No. 13 overall prospect in Virginia.
Eyes on the Future
Clemson entered 2025 with a deep receiver room, and most of that group — outside of Williams — is expected to return next season. That depth creates stiff competition for playing time moving forward.
Still, Preston’s surge during his redshirt season has positioned him as a name to watch heading into spring practice. A strong impression during bowl week — and possibly on game day — could accelerate his climb in Clemson’s wide receiver rotation.