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Attrition is nothing new in bowl season, but what Clemson will face at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 27 is a full-scale stress test of depth, development, and belief.
When the Clemson Tigers (7-5) meet the Penn State Nittany Lions (6-6) in the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, the Tigers will be without 27 players due to a combination of NFL Draft opt-outs, injuries, and transfer portal departures — including six defensive starters spread across all three levels.
That reality has reshaped preparation for defensive coordinator Tom Allen, whose first bowl assignment with Clemson comes under less-than-ideal circumstances.
“I just think you have to have the mindset that it’s next man up,” Allen said last week. “I know coaches say that, and it’s absolutely true. So, it’s just part of the situation we find ourselves in, and you just focus on the guys that are there and what a great opportunity for them.”
Defensive line takes the biggest hit
The most significant losses begin up front. Clemson will be without defensive tackles Peter Woods and Demonte Capehart, both NFL Draft opt-outs, and defensive end T.J. Parker, an early-round projection. The trio accounted for a massive portion of the Tigers’ interior disruption and edge pressure throughout the season.
That leaves a younger, reshuffled front tasked with holding up against a physical Penn State offense in cold, tight quarters at Yankee Stadium.
The anchor of that group will be junior defensive end Will Heldt, who leads Clemson with 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. The former Purdue transfer chose to return to Clemson for another season, believing continuity and development were critical for his future.
Heldt will be paired on the edge with senior Cade Denhoff, who logged 26 snaps against South Carolina after Jahiem Lawson suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Together, they represent the most experienced voices in a suddenly youthful room.
“I think up front, between me and Cade Denhoff, the two more experienced players, I think guys can lean on us for a little bit of experience if they’re not seeing something,” Heldt said.
Inside, all eyes will be on projected starting defensive tackles Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green, players with game reps but limited exposure as primary options.
Youth movement gains momentum
With veterans unavailable, Clemson’s bowl practices have doubled as auditions for the future, and several young defenders have taken advantage.
Heldt and linebacker Sammy Brown both singled out a pair of redshirt freshmen: defensive end Darien Mayo and Champ Thompson.
“Mayo and Champ have really been coming along in these bowl practices, especially Champ,” Brown said, agreeing with Heldt, as they sat beside each other last week. “I’ve been really excited watching the film, because he’s been hooping in practice. It’s really cool to see him kind of step up into that role, and I think he’s going to be a good part of our game.”
Another intriguing name is true freshman defensive end Ari Watford, a former four-star recruit who missed his senior high school season rehabbing an ACL tear. Watford was cleared for full participation and has impressed Allen with his length and upside.
“A guy that I love his length, love how he plays the game,” Allen said. “He’s definitely been cleared, and he’s been 100 percent. This offseason is going to be huge for him. He’s a guy we expect big things from in the future.”
Linebacker and secondary adjustments
Clemson will also be without senior linebacker Wade Woodaz, sidelined by injury after finishing second on the team in tackles. His absence places added responsibility on Brown, who earned All-ACC honors, and opens snaps for Kobe McCloud, Jeremiah Alexander, redshirt freshman CJ Kubah-Taylor, and walk-on Fletcher Cothran.
In the secondary, the Tigers must replace two starters: cornerback Avieon Terrell, who opted out for the NFL Draft, and junior safety Khalil Barnes, a transfer portal entry.
Redshirt sophomore Branden Strozier will step into Terrell’s role. Strozier logged a career-high 51 snaps against South Carolina, finishing with six tackles and two pass breakups after Terrell exited with a quad injury.
“I tell you what, just so proud of him,” Allen said. “I thought he stepped up and played really well against South Carolina, which we needed him to in those situations.”
Allen also mentioned Corian Gipson, Noah Dixon, and freshman safety Jakarrion Kenan as players who will see expanded roles. Gipson, who made three starts earlier this season at the Tiger/Nickel position, will also rotate at corner.
“You’ve got guys at every level that haven’t necessarily played a lot early in the season,” Allen said. “Some played more later, but these bowl practices are giving them a chance, and obviously they’re going to get that chance during the game.”
