The 2025 college football season didn’t exactly go according to plan for either Penn State or Clemson. Both programs entered the year with national title aspirations, top-25 rankings, and rosters loaded with returning talent. But as we head into bowl season, they’re meeting in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium - not the College Football Playoff.
Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday, and while the matchup still features plenty of intrigue, it also comes with a healthy dose of what-ifs. Injuries, opt-outs, and transfer portal departures have reshaped both rosters, leaving us with two proud programs trying to close out turbulent seasons on a high note.
Let’s dig into what went wrong for both teams, what to watch for in the Bronx, and which under-the-radar players could end up stealing the show.
What Went Wrong in 2025?
Clemson: The Tigers had experience, depth, and expectations - but none of it translated to wins early on. Clemson’s season started unraveling in Week 1 against LSU and didn’t get much better the following week against Troy, when they found themselves trailing 16-3 at halftime. From there, it was clear: this wasn’t the dominant Clemson team many expected.
Dabo Swinney later acknowledged that his players may have gotten too comfortable with the preseason hype. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen was even more blunt, pointing to a lack of overall speed and a shortage of “dudes” - players who love the game and play with relentless energy.
The struggles were across the board: coaching, execution, decision-making. Still, to their credit, the Tigers rallied with four straight wins to close the season and earn a bowl bid.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions had a similar story. After modeling their approach after Big Ten powers like Ohio State and Michigan, there was a sense within the locker room that a CFP appearance was a foregone conclusion. That mindset proved costly.
Leadership was an issue - not just from the coaching staff, but also among veterans and younger players. When Terry Smith took over, he had to overhaul the team’s identity midseason. Penn State also struggled with schematic issues on both sides of the ball, particularly under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
And while the roster was hyped up in August, it didn’t quite live up to the billing. Depth was a real concern, especially at linebacker and along the defensive line, and those cracks widened as the season wore on.
What’s the Path to Victory?
Clemson: Experience and a strong run game will be key. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is set to make his 40th career start - a luxury in a bowl game where continuity is hard to come by.
Down the stretch, Clemson leaned heavily on the run to control tempo and protect a defense that, frankly, needed the help. Expect more of the same in the Bronx.
Penn State: Let Ethan Grunkemeyer cook. With opt-outs thinning the offensive line and running back room, the passing game becomes even more important.
Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, they should have their full complement of veteran wide receivers and tight ends available. Grunkemeyer has built real momentum late in the year, and against a depleted Clemson secondary, he could be the difference-maker.
Who’s Missing - and Who Matters Most?
Clemson: Wide receiver Antonio Williams is out with a shoulder injury, and that’s a big loss. He’s been Klubnik’s go-to guy, especially on third downs, and his absence changes the dynamic of Clemson’s passing game.
Williams had a standout performance against South Carolina and has consistently been the Tigers’ most reliable target. Without him, Clemson will need someone else to step up in the slot - not an easy task.
Penn State: Safety Zakee Wheatley’s absence looms large. He’s been the last line of defense for the Nittany Lions and has saved more than a few touchdowns this season.
His instincts and ball-hawking ability have been critical during Penn State’s late-season defensive improvement. Replacing that kind of experience and playmaking won’t be easy.
Breakout Candidates to Watch
Clemson: Keep an eye on redshirt freshman tight end Christian Bentancur. Even in a crowded tight end room, he emerged as the Tigers’ most dynamic receiving threat at the position.
He’s big, athletic, and knows how to find soft spots in coverage. Against USC, he posted five catches for 51 yards - and he could see even more targets with Williams sidelined.
On the defensive line, Clemson will be leaning on youth due to opt-outs. True freshman Ari Watford and redshirt freshman Champ Thompson are names to watch, though it remains to be seen if either is ready for a breakout moment on this stage.
Penn State: Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam is in line for a bigger role with Zane Durant out. The redshirt freshman has shown flashes - 15 tackles and half a sack - but this could be his coming-out party. He brings strength and interior pass-rush potential that could disrupt Clemson’s run-first approach.
On offense, freshman wideout Koby Howard and redshirt sophomore tight end Andrew Rappleyea are also trending upward. Both have taken on bigger roles late in the season and could be key targets for Grunkemeyer.
Prediction Time
This one’s tough to call. Both teams are dealing with significant absences, and neither has been consistent enough to inspire total confidence. But there’s still plenty of talent on both sidelines - and two quarterbacks who can make plays.
One prediction has Penn State edging it out 24-21, with Clemson’s defensive opt-outs proving too much to overcome. Another sees Clemson winning 31-27, banking on Klubnik’s experience and a Penn State defense that may struggle without Wheatley.
Either way, expect a close, hard-fought game between two teams trying to end a frustrating season on a high note. The Pinstripe Bowl might not be where these programs hoped to be in December, but with pride on the line and young stars looking to make a name for themselves, it’s shaping up to be a compelling matchup in the Bronx.