Clemson Heads into the Pinstripe Bowl Missing 27 Players - But Still Chasing History
When Clemson lines up against Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium, they'll be doing so with a skeleton crew - 27 players down, including 11 starters. That's not a typo.
Between opt-outs, injuries, and transfers, the Tigers are walking into this postseason matchup with a roster that's been heavily reshuffled. And yet, despite the attrition, there's still a lot on the line.
This isn’t just another bowl game for Clemson. A win would mark their fifth straight victory to close the season and extend their streak to 15 consecutive years with a bowl win - the longest active run in the FBS.
That’s the kind of consistency most programs dream about. But with so many key players unavailable, Dabo Swinney and his staff are facing one of their toughest postseason challenges yet.
Swinney, as always, is leaning into the adversity. “It’s a long list, but nobody cares,” he said earlier this month.
“It’s next man up. Excited to see these guys step up and go play.”
Let’s break down who’s out, why they’re out, and what it means for Clemson heading into this high-stakes clash with the Nittany Lions.
Antonio Williams Out with Injury
Clemson will be without its top receiver, Antonio Williams, due to a shoulder injury. Williams had already announced his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft following the game against Furman in November, and now he’ll be sidelined for the bowl finale.
Williams wraps up a stellar career in orange, tallying 208 catches for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns. And he wasn’t just a threat through the air - he also went 4-for-4 passing in trick-play situations, throwing for 143 yards and two touchdowns. That kind of versatility won’t be easy to replace.
Peter Woods Sits Out to Prepare for NFL Draft
On the defensive side, Clemson will be without its anchor in the trenches. Defensive tackle Peter Woods - a projected top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft - has opted out to focus on his pro future.
Woods had a breakout season, notching a career-high 30 tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection. He also made an impact on offense in Clemson’s jumbo package, rushing for 15 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries.
Over 35 career games (24 starts), Woods compiled 84 tackles, including 14.5 for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He also earned first-team All-ACC honors this year - a well-deserved nod for one of the most disruptive interior linemen in college football.
Avieon Terrell Opts Out as He Eyes NFL Future
Top cornerback Avieon Terrell is another major absence. The All-ACC first-teamer and Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist is skipping the bowl as he prepares for the draft, where he’s projected as a first- or second-round pick.
Terrell was a playmaker all season long, recording 48 tackles, three sacks, five forced fumbles, and nine pass breakups. His ability to lock down opposing receivers and create turnovers was a huge part of Clemson’s defensive identity. Without him, the Tigers’ secondary will be tested early and often.
Edge Rusher T.J. Parker Also Sits Out
Clemson’s top pass-rusher, T.J. Parker, is also focusing on the NFL Draft.
Parker recorded 37 tackles this season, including five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and a pass breakup. Like Terrell, he’s considered a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick and will be tough to replace off the edge.
Full List of Clemson Players Not Playing in the Pinstripe Bowl
Here’s the complete rundown of who’s out for Clemson:
NFL Draft Opt-Outs:
- CB Avieon Terrell
- DT Peter Woods
- DT DeMonte Capehart
- DE T.J. Parker
Injuries:
- WR Antonio Williams
- WR Bryant Wesco Jr.
- TE Olsen Patt-Henry
- TE Ian Schieffelin
- RB Jay Haynes
- RB Jarvis Green
- RB Peyton Streko
- OL Brayden Jacobs
- OL Elyjah Thurmon
- OL Walker Parks
- OL Collin Sadler
- OL Easton Ware
- DL Jahiem Lawson
- DL Armon Mason
- DT Amare Adams
- DT Makhi Williams-Lee
- LB Wade Woodaz
- LB Logan Anderson
Transfers:
- S Khalil Barnes
- CB Shelton Lewis
- LB Jamal Anderson
- RB Keith Adams Jr.
- LB Dee Crayton
That’s a significant chunk of the depth chart - and not just backups. Clemson is down leaders on both sides of the ball, including its top receiver, top pass rusher, top corner, and defensive tackle.
Game Info: Clemson vs. Penn State
- Date: Dec. 27
- Time: Noon ET
- Location: Yankee Stadium, New York
- TV: ABC
Prediction: Clemson 30, Penn State 27
Despite the absences, Clemson is still expected to come out swinging. The Tigers have momentum, having won four straight, and they’ll be looking to cap the season with a statement win.
Expect the offense to lean heavily on the ground game, using tempo and misdirection to keep Penn State’s defense off balance. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will be tasked with leading a depleted but determined unit. If he can manage the game and avoid turnovers, Clemson should be in position to pull this one out.
On defense, it’s going to take a group effort. With so many starters out, younger players will have to step into big roles quickly. But if the Tigers can force a key turnover late - and history suggests they just might - they’ll have a shot to extend their postseason streak and head into 2026 with momentum.
Tickets Still Available
For fans looking to catch the action live, tickets for the Pinstripe Bowl are available on StubHub.
Bottom Line: Clemson may be shorthanded, but don’t count them out. This program has built its name on resilience, and the Pinstripe Bowl offers the perfect stage for the next wave of Tigers to prove they’re ready for the spotlight.