With eight starters unavailable due to injury or opt-outs, the Tigers have adjusted their depth chart ahead of their matchup with Penn State on Dec. 27 at Yankee Stadium. The changes create opportunities across multiple position groups as Clemson (7-5) seeks to close the season on a five-game winning streak.
Penn State (6-6), which does not publish an official depth chart, is expected to use the same starting lineup it deployed in its regular-season finale against Rutgers. Several key Nittany Lions, including All-American offensive lineman Olavega Ioane, safety Zakee Wheatley and defensive tackle Zane Durant, have opted out of the bowl game.
For Clemson, the most notable adjustment comes along the defensive front. Stephiylan Green moves into a starting role at defensive tackle, joining a rotation that could also include Vic Burley or Champ Thompson on the opposite side. Cade Denhoff is listed as the starter at defensive end, another change prompted by roster availability.
Linebacker and secondary roles have also shifted. Kobe McCloud is expected to start at weakside linebacker, while Branden Strozier steps into a starting role at cornerback. At the rover position, Ronan Hanafin moves to the top of the depth chart.
On the offensive side, Clemson has adjustments in the trenches and at receiver. Ronan O’Connell or Dietrick Pennington is listed at left guard, with O’Connell having worked with the first unit during bowl practices. Tyler Brown moves into the starting slot receiver role as Clemson reshuffles its pass-catching group.
The changes reflect the realities of bowl season, where injuries, NFL decisions and transfer portal movement often reshape lineups. For Clemson, the Pinstripe Bowl presents an opportunity for younger and less experienced players to take on expanded roles in a game setting.
While the Tigers’ postseason roster differs from the one that finished the regular season, the objective remains the same — finish the year with momentum and evaluate depth heading into the offseason.
Clemson and Penn State are scheduled to kick off at noon ET, with the game marking Clemson’s first appearance at Yankee Stadium.