When Clemson takes the field at Yankee Stadium for the Pinstripe Bowl, the defensive line will have a brand-new look-and that’s not a cause for concern. In fact, it’s a moment of opportunity.
With T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, and DeMonte Capehart all opting out of the bowl game, the Tigers are turning to the next wave of talent up front.
It’s a retooled unit, but one that’s been grinding through bowl practices with something to prove. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen isn’t sugarcoating it: this is a “next man up” situation, and the chance to make an impression is right now.
Darien Mayo and Ari Watford: The New Faces on the Edge
One of the biggest names to watch-literally and figuratively-is Darien Mayo. At 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, Mayo has the kind of frame that jumps off the field. He saw action in six games this season, but now he’s stepping into a much bigger role on the edge.
“I expect big things from him moving forward,” Allen said. “He’s gotten more reps, and this time of year creates opportunity.”
That’s not just coach speak-Mayo’s teammates are seeing it, too. Junior defensive end Will Heldt, who recently announced he’s returning next season, has had a front-row seat to Mayo’s development.
“He’s been coming along really well,” Heldt said. “Looking forward to him getting some more opportunities.”
Another name making noise is Ari Watford. The true freshman is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in high school, but after getting cleared in mid-September, he’s steadily worked his way back into the mix. Now, he’s getting meaningful reps in bowl prep-and catching the attention of the staff.
“He’s getting a lot of reps right now,” Allen said. “When you come back from that type of injury, it takes time. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you see him play-and I’m really excited about his future.”
Watford’s progress is a reminder of how quickly things can change in college football. One minute you’re rehabbing, the next you’re in the rotation for a postseason game against a Big Ten opponent.
Champ Thompson Making His Move Inside
It’s not just the edge that’s seeing new blood. The interior of the defensive line is also getting a shake-up, and redshirt freshman Champ Thompson is taking full advantage.
Linebacker Sammy Brown singled out Thompson as one of the breakout performers during bowl practices.
“Mayo and Champ have really been coming along in these bowl practices, especially Champ,” Brown said. “Watching the film, he’s been hooping in practice. It’s really cool to see him step into that role, and I think he’s going to be a big part of our game.”
Thompson, a Florida native, hasn’t seen a ton of game action this season, but he’s made his presence felt in practice. With the Tigers likely rotating bodies to keep up with Penn State’s physical front, don’t be surprised to see Thompson logging meaningful snaps in the trenches.
A Bowl Game-and a Proving Ground
For Tom Allen and the rest of the defensive staff, the Pinstripe Bowl is more than just a postseason appearance-it’s a live evaluation. With several veterans out and roster turnover on the horizon, this is a rare opportunity to see what the future looks like under the lights.
“You’ve got guys at every level who haven’t played a lot early in the season,” Allen said. “Some played more later, and now several are getting a real opportunity through bowl practices-and during the game.”
The stakes are clear. This isn’t just a test against Penn State-it’s a tryout for 2026. The players who step up now could be the foundation of Clemson’s next dominant front.
So when the Tigers take the field in the Bronx, it won’t just be about who’s missing. It’ll be about who’s ready. And for a program that prides itself on development and depth, this bowl game is the perfect stage to show what’s next.