Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Ian Schieffelin, a 6-foot-8 power forward for the Clemson men’s basketball team, is switching sports—at least for now. After four years of college basketball, Schieffelin announced on Instagram that he’s joining the Clemson football team as a tight end for one final season in a Tigers uniform.
The offer came from head football coach Dabo Swinney, who had long joked about Schieffelin’s potential on the gridiron. But two weeks ago, that joke turned serious when Swinney called with a real opportunity: six months with the football program to see if Schieffelin could make the transition.
A New Challenge Sparks His Interest
Schieffelin had been preparing to pursue professional basketball, likely overseas or in the G League. But Swinney’s offer caught his attention.
“I’ve been just training for basketball, getting ready for the next level,” Schieffelin told ESPN. “Dabo just walked me through the opportunity he was willing to give me, and it all sounded great, something I wanted to jump on. It really just sparked my interest in wanting to try, and being able to put on a Clemson jersey again was very enticing to me. To be able to be coached by Dabo and [tight ends coach Kyle] Richardson is just a huge opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Schieffelin averaged 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds last season, helping Clemson reach the NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed. They were upset in the first round by McNeese.
One Season, No Expectations—Just Effort
Schieffelin entered the NCAA transfer portal in hopes of gaining a fifth year of eligibility, but legal delays made that unlikely. That’s when he started training for pro basketball—until Swinney’s call changed everything.
“I’d never rule out me going back to basketball,” Schieffelin said. “I’ll see how these next six months go, see how development goes, see if I really like playing football. But I think this is a good opportunity for the next six months.”
He doesn’t expect to make much NIL money, but he’s curious to see how far his athletic tools could take him in football. He plans to focus on conditioning, building strength, and learning the game.
A Thin Tight End Room in Need of Help
Clemson’s tight end group could use reinforcements. Jake Briningstool, last year’s starter, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after going undrafted. Behind him, only three tight ends—Josh Sapp (13 catches), Olsen Patt-Henry (12), and Banks Pope (1)—have recorded receptions.
Swinney has long admired Schieffelin’s potential, even joking last fall that he could play “tight end, D-end, or even left tackle.”
“He could play tight end, D-end. He could play whatever he wanted to play. He’d be an unbelievable left tackle,” Swinney said. “I’ll definitely have a spot. We have a lot of rev share ready too if he wants to pass up wherever he’s going [after basketball].”
Swinney: “He Has Elite Football Measurables”
Swinney believes Schieffelin has the right frame and athletic ability to thrive.
“He has elite football measurables that I believe will translate well,” Swinney said. “I’m looking forward to helping him transition and build a football foundation that will give him a chance to not only help us at Clemson but also give him a chance to play pro football. It should be fun.
Following the Path of Other Hoopers-Turned-Footballers
Schieffelin is not the first basketball player to try football. He spoke with Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox, who played four years of basketball at VCU before making it to the NFL without much football experience.
“We talked about what went into his decision to go the football route,” Schieffelin said. “He helped me just knowing why he decided, and it made me decide to just give it a chance and see where I could take it.”
Other well-known examples include Jimmy Graham, Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates, and Greg Paulus—all of whom had basketball backgrounds before playing football at a high level.
Excited for One Last Run in Clemson Colors
Schieffelin is keeping his expectations simple: learn the game, compete every day, and help the team however he can.
“Just being able to compete with these guys and impact the team any way I can,” he said. “I’m going into this very optimistic and ready to learn. Being able to compete every day is something I enjoy. To learn football and have fun.
“Maybe I’ll be really good, maybe I’ll be really bad. It’s something that was worth a shot. And being able to put a Clemson jersey on again is really special to me, and to do it this time in Death Valley is going to be amazing.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
