Clemson football is turning to the 2025 season before the calendar changes, and it has major roster moves ahead.
The Tigers (10-4) made the College Football Playoff, the first time since 2020, after winning the ACC title. However, they lost 38-24 to Texas in the first round of the expanded playoff, exposing what Clemson needs to improve to be a national championship contender.
The Tigers are losing a strong senior class and must retool their roster through recruiting, player development and the transfer portal.
Here are five notable players the team will lose and who could replace them for a chance to return to the CFP in 2025.
Barrett Carter, an All-ACC linebacker, has started for Clemson for three seasons. Sammy Brown, who earned freshman All-American honors, is in line to replace him to play alongside Wade Woodaz. Brown finished third in tackles (79) this season and recorded five sacks and three pass deflections.
Running back Phil Mafah was a stalwart for Clemson, eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing this season despite battling a shoulder injury. With his exit, 2025 signee Gideon Davidson could be an instant impact player. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney called Davidson, a four-star prospect, the best running back in the 2025 cycle because of his explosiveness and speed.
Jay Haynes was in line to replace Mafah, but his ACL tear may change things. Clemson did not trust its depth behind Mafah, either, rarely using Keith Adams Jr., Jarvis Green or David Eziomume. So much so, it is even considering moving wide receiver Adam Randall to running back full time.
MORE:Why Dabo Swinney believes Clemson football can be better in 2025 after Texas loss in CFP
Tight end Jake Briningstool rewrote Clemson’s history books, becoming the all-time receptions leader for tight ends in program history. With his exit, Olsen Patt-Henry is in line for a boost in playing time. The second-year tight end emerged as a trustworthy player through his run blocking and red-zone scoring. He recorded nine catches for 121 yards and three touchdowns in 2024.
Defensive tackle Payton Page was a staple on Clemson’s interior line as DeMonte Capehart and Peter Woods battled injuries. With his departure, Stephiylan Green is likely to be the biggest benefactor. After redshirting in 2023, Green played in 12 games this season, recording 16 tackles and one pass deflection. His 6-foot-4, 290-pound size allows him to be a force at the line of scrimmage.
Left guard Marcus Tate was a starter for Clemson since 2022, committing only one penalty this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His replacement is likely to be Harris Sewell, Clemson’s “sixth man” on the offensive line. He filled in for Tate for two games this season and started in three games to be a life preserver for the Tigers’ line.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
