Clemson’s tight end room has talent, depth, and plenty of potential. But now it also has something even more rare—a 6-foot-8 wildcard with a basketball pedigree and a hunger to compete. His name? Ian Schieffelin.
After four unforgettable years on the court, where he helped lead Clemson basketball to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and a deep Elite Eight run, Schieffelin is trading sneakers for cleats. With his basketball eligibility exhausted and his professional future uncertain, the bruising forward is staying in Tigertown for one more semester, but this time, he’ll be catching passes on Saturdays instead of snagging rebounds.
At first glance, the move might raise eyebrows. After all, Schieffelin hasn’t played competitive football since his sophomore year of high school. But dig a little deeper, and it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t some publicity stunt or casual experiment. This is a calculated move from Dabo Swinney, a coach known for seeing potential others overlook and turning it into something special.
Swinney’s pitch to Schieffelin was simple. He saw in the basketball star a rare mix of size, coordination, toughness, and football IQ that could translate beautifully to the tight end position. And while Swinney has joked in the past about stealing Schieffelin for the gridiron, the invitation this spring was no laughing matter. It was a real offer, backed by a real plan, and Schieffelin accepted the challenge.
“I’ve always loved football,” Schieffelin said. “It was my first sport growing up. To have a chance to put the pads back on, play in Death Valley, and maybe even score a touchdown—that’s something you can’t pass up.”
Clemson fans may remember Schieffelin as the gritty, hard-nosed forward who brought relentless energy to the basketball court. He averaged 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a senior, and while his scoring was important, it was his hustle, leadership, and basketball IQ that made him a cornerstone of the program. Those same traits are what Swinney believes will make him an intriguing addition to the football field.
At tight end, the Tigers already have proven playmakers. Olsen Patt-Henry and Josh Sapp are steady, reliable options, while redshirt freshman Christian Bentancur is being touted as a breakout candidate. So no, Schieffelin likely won’t walk in and become the top target in Clemson’s passing game. But his role doesn’t need to be conventional to be valuable.
Think red zone. Think third-and-goal from the two. Think gadget plays and mismatches that defensive coordinators lose sleep over. At 6-foot-8, with hands honed from years of basketball and footwork that allowed him to guard perimeter players and battle in the paint, Schieffelin could become a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces. Swinney has a history of finding ways to get unique athletes involved, and Schieffelin might be the latest example.
The journey isn’t unprecedented. Schieffelin even reached out to Mo Alie-Cox, the Indianapolis Colts tight end who made a similar leap from college basketball to the NFL. That conversation, according to Schieffelin, gave him added confidence that the switch was not only possible—but potentially rewarding.
And let’s not forget, Schieffelin wasn’t just a casual football player in high school. He played both quarterback and tight end at Grayson High School in Georgia, where he drew early attention from Power Four football programs before committing fully to basketball. Coaches saw his long-term potential on the gridiron even then, and Swinney clearly still sees it now.
This move is low-risk and potentially high-reward for Clemson. Schieffelin isn’t taking away a scholarship. He’s not displacing anyone in the tight end room. He’s simply bringing another weapon into the mix—a weapon with elite size, great hands, and a relentless work ethic.
If he survives fall camp and earns a spot on the final roster, don’t be surprised if Schieffelin makes a few memorable moments in orange and white this fall. Whether it’s a key block, a short-yardage touchdown, or a jaw-dropping catch in the red zone, the former basketball standout has a chance to make his mark in a whole new way.
In an era where player movement and position changes dominate headlines, Ian Schieffelin’s story stands out. It’s not just a feel-good tale of an athlete extending his college career. It’s the story of a competitor refusing to close the book on his athletic journey. And if all goes to plan, his next chapter could unfold under the bright lights of Death Valley.
