Clemson Celebrates 46 Student-Athlete Graduates Ahead of Pinstripe Bowl
As Clemson gears up for its appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27, the Tigers are already celebrating a major win off the field. On December 18, 46 student-athletes and eight additional students involved in support roles and spirit squads graduated during the university’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony at Littlejohn Coliseum.
This graduating class reflects the full scope of Clemson’s athletic and academic commitment, with students representing 12 athletic programs and 20 different academic majors. Of the 55 total graduates, 45 earned undergraduate degrees, 11 completed master’s programs, and one received an advanced certificate.
The football program led the way with 26 graduates - a group that includes All-ACC and All-America honorees, as well as players who’ve helped bring home conference and national titles. With the Tigers preparing for postseason action, this moment adds another layer to a season already filled with hard work and high expectations.
Academic Excellence on Display
This milestone comes on the heels of Clemson Athletics achieving a department-record 96% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for the 2015-18 cohort, according to the NCAA’s latest data. That figure leads all public schools in the Power Five conferences and marks the 12th straight cohort with a GSR of 91% or higher. Even more impressive, it’s the fifth consecutive cohort to hit at least 95% - a feat matched by only two other public Power Five schools nationwide.
Clemson athletes also posted a 996 Academic Progress Rate (APR), the second-highest in program history. That’s more than just a number - it’s a reflection of the culture of accountability, support, and achievement that runs through the entire athletic department.
Who’s Walking: A Closer Look at the Grads
The list of graduates is as diverse as it is impressive. On the football side, quarterback Cade Klubnik earned his bachelor’s in Marketing, while safety Tyler Venables and wide receiver Adam Randall each completed master’s degrees in Athletic Leadership. Offensive lineman Walker Parks added a master’s in Human Resource Development to his résumé, and defensive lineman Demonte Capehart also earned a master’s in Athletic Leadership.
Several players - including Shelton Lewis, Jeadyn Lukus, and Peter Woods - graduated with degrees in Sports Communication, a popular major among student-athletes looking to stay close to the game long after their playing days are over.
The women’s rowing team also had a strong showing, with six graduates, including Camille Egger (Nursing) and Caroline Hill (Marketing). Women’s soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, and track and field were all represented, as were men’s soccer, men’s golf, and men’s track and field. The academic disciplines ranged from Electrical Engineering to Political Science to Global Black Studies, underscoring the broad academic interests of Clemson’s student-athletes.
Here are a few more standout names and degrees from the graduating class:
- Dominic Listi (Men’s Golf) - MBA in Business Administration
- Brooke McCubbin (Softball) - Master’s in Athletic Leadership
- Emily Brough (Women’s Soccer) - Bachelor’s in Accounting
- Annabelle Thomas (Women’s Tennis) - Master’s in Applied Psychology
- Mia Baltrun (Cheer) - Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
- Aaron Corbin (Men’s Golf) - Bachelor’s in Computer Science
A Culture That Wins On and Off the Field
Clemson’s commitment to developing student-athletes goes well beyond game day. The program has built a culture where academic achievement is not just encouraged - it’s expected. That’s evident in the continued rise of graduation rates, APR scores, and the sheer number of student-athletes walking across the stage each year.
As the football team prepares for one last battle this season, the accomplishments of these graduates serve as a reminder that success at Clemson isn’t defined by wins and losses alone. It’s about preparing young men and women for life after sports - and based on this graduating class, the Tigers are doing just that.
So while the Pinstripe Bowl awaits, Clemson can already claim a victory this December - one measured not in touchdowns, but in diplomas.