Clemson’s Defense Faces a Full Roster Reset Ahead of Pinstripe Bowl Clash with Penn State
Bowl season always brings its share of roster shuffling, but what Clemson is facing on December 27 at Yankee Stadium is more than your typical case of attrition - it’s a full-on stress test of depth, development, and resilience. When the Tigers (7-5) take the field against Penn State (6-6) in the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, they’ll do so without 27 players - a staggering number that includes NFL Draft opt-outs, injuries, and transfer portal exits.
That list isn’t just long - it’s loaded with impact names, particularly on defense. Six starters are out, spread across the defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary. And for defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who’s preparing for his first bowl game with Clemson, this is a baptism by fire.
“I just think you have to have the mindset that it’s next man up,” Allen said last week. “It’s absolutely true. You focus on the guys that are there - and what a great opportunity for them.”
Defensive Line: Youth Movement in the Trenches
The biggest blows come up front, where Clemson will be without defensive tackles Peter Woods and Demonte Capehart - both opting out to prepare for the NFL - and edge rusher T.J. Parker, another early-round draft prospect. Together, that trio was the heartbeat of Clemson’s pass rush and interior disruption throughout the season.
Now, that responsibility shifts to a younger, less battle-tested group. And the setting isn’t exactly forgiving. Yankee Stadium in December brings cold air, tight sidelines, and a Penn State offense that thrives on physicality.
At the forefront of this new-look front is junior defensive end Will Heldt. The former Purdue transfer leads the team with 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, and his decision to return to Clemson for another year is proving critical. He’ll line up opposite senior Cade Denhoff, who stepped in late in the season after Jahiem Lawson suffered a torn ACL.
“I think up front, between me and Cade, the two more experienced players, guys can lean on us if they’re not seeingsomething,” Heldt said. “We’ve been through it, we know the system, and now it’s about helping the younger guys settle in.”
Inside, the Tigers will turn to Vic Burley and Stephiylan Green - two promising but relatively untested defensive tackles. Both have seen snaps this year, but neither has had to carry the load as a full-time starter. That changes in the Bronx.
Bowl Practices Spotlight the Future
With so many veterans unavailable, Clemson’s bowl prep has doubled as a sneak peek at the program’s future. And some of the younger defenders are making the most of the opportunity.
Heldt and All-ACC linebacker Sammy Brown both pointed to redshirt freshmen Darien Mayo and Champ Thompson as players who have stood out in recent practices.
“Mayo and Champ have really been coming along,” Brown said. “Especially Champ.
Watching the film, he’s been hooping in practice. It’s really cool to see him step into that role.
I think he’s going to be a good part of our game.”
Another name to watch: true freshman Ari Watford. A former four-star recruit, Watford missed his senior year of high school while rehabbing an ACL tear. Now fully cleared, he’s catching attention with his size, length, and raw upside.
“A guy that I love his length, love how he plays the game,” Allen said. “He’s definitely been 100 percent.
This offseason is going to be huge for him. He’s a guy we expect big things from in the future.”
Linebackers: Brown Takes the Reins
The linebacker room also took a hit with the loss of Wade Woodaz, the senior leader who finished second on the team in tackles before going down with an injury. His absence puts even more on the plate of Sammy Brown, who’s already established himself as one of the ACC’s top defenders.
Behind Brown, Clemson will rotate a mix of young talent and walk-ons. Kobe McCloud, Jeremiah Alexander, redshirt freshman CJ Kubah-Taylor, and walk-on Fletcher Cothran are all in line for increased snaps.
It’s not ideal, but it’s also a real-time evaluation window - a chance for the coaching staff to see who’s ready to step up, not just for one game, but for the seasons ahead.
Secondary Shuffle
The back end of Clemson’s defense is getting a makeover, too. Cornerback Avieon Terrell is sitting out to prepare for the draft, and safety Khalil Barnes has entered the transfer portal. That leaves a reshuffled secondary with plenty of question marks - and opportunities.
Redshirt sophomore Branden Strozier will step into Terrell’s spot after a strong showing against South Carolina. Strozier logged a career-high 51 snaps in that game, 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. “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 Jakarrion Kenan as players who will see expanded roles. Gipson, who made three starts earlier this season at the Tiger/Nickel position, is expected to rotate at corner as well.
“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.”
The Bottom Line
This isn’t the defense Clemson envisioned bringing to the Bronx, but it’s the one they’ve got. And while the attrition is significant, the opportunity is just as big - for young players to show they belong, for veterans to lead, and for a coaching staff to lay the groundwork for 2026.
It’s a different kind of bowl game for Clemson - not just a postseason contest, but a proving ground. The Tigers won’t be at full strength, but they’ll be full of motivation, and for a program built on development, this is where that foundation gets tested.
The lights will be bright, the air will be cold, and the roster will be young. But don’t mistake youth for weakness - this is a team with something to prove.