When Clemson’s bowl matchup became official, new defensive coordinator Tom Allen wasn’t immediately thinking about Xs and Os. His mind went to the people-specifically, the familiar faces on the other sideline.
Allen, who spent the 2023 season at Penn State, said he’s excited to reconnect with former players, coaches, and staffers from his time in State College. “That’s what sticks out the most,” Allen said.
“A lot of great people there.” It’s a human moment in a sport that often gets reduced to schemes and stats-and a reminder that relationships still matter in college football, even as the landscape shifts rapidly.
Bowl Season in the Transfer Portal Era: Adapt or Fall Behind
Allen also didn’t shy away from the reality of bowl season in today’s game: rosters are in flux, and you have to prepare for uncertainty. Between opt-outs, transfers, and injuries, the team you prep for in early December might look very different by kickoff.
That’s why Allen’s approach is rooted in flexibility. He emphasized that bowl prep now demands a plan that can bend without breaking-one that can adjust in real time to who’s actually available and what the game flow demands.
“Flexible enough to adapt on game day,” he said. That’s not coach-speak-it’s survival in the new era of college football.
When asked specifically about Clemson’s own defensive opt-outs, Allen echoed Dabo Swinney’s long-held philosophy: “next man up.” It’s a simple phrase, but it speaks to a deeper expectation-one that doesn’t allow excuses, even when the depth chart gets reshuffled.
Building a Defensive Identity: Speed, Space, and Passion
Allen also gave a glimpse into his long-term vision for Clemson’s defense. It’s not just about replacing talent-it’s about crafting a specific identity. And for Allen, that identity starts with speed.
“I’m a big speed guy,” he said, pointing to the perimeter, the secondary, and the linebacker corps as key areas where that trait has to show up. But it’s not just about raw athleticism. Allen wants defenders who can operate in space, who can tackle at an elite level, and-maybe most importantly-who love the grind.
He’s looking for players with what he calls “that edge about you”-guys who bring energy, effort, and a passion for the game that shows up on tape. Whether those players come from high school recruiting or the transfer portal will depend on the numbers and the needs. But the blueprint is clear: speed, physicality, and a relentless mindset.
The Film Doesn’t Lie
Allen’s most telling comments came when he talked about how a season reveals the truth about a defense. Practice matters, yes-but it’s the games that show who you really are.
And not just the wins. The tough stretches.
The breakdowns. The moments when things go sideways.
That’s when, as Allen put it, you’re “in the fire”-and what’s real gets exposed.
According to Allen, that process of being tested is where Clemson’s defense has shown its growth. He believes the unit has evolved, battled through adversity, and is now playing its best football when it matters most. That’s not just coach optimism-it’s a belief rooted in what the film has shown down the stretch.
As Clemson prepares for its bowl game, Allen isn’t just focused on the opponent or the playbook. He’s focused on continuing to build a defense that knows who it is-and plays like it.