Dabo Swinney clearly enjoys winning football games. Over the years at Clemson, the 55-year-old head coach has done plenty of that. Swinney has accumulated 180 victories, including two national titles, during his tenure with the Tigers.
One thing Swinney has always had going for him? Winning players. Like many of the sport’s greats, he understands that successful programs are founded on players who know how to compete and win. That’s why the news he received on Wednesday has him excited for the upcoming collegiate football season.
Clemson is adding a new athlete to its roster, and this is no ordinary walk-on. This kid has tremendous college-level experience competing and winning.
After four seasons of college basketball and 134 games, Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin plans to join the Tigers football team.
Swinney was not completely caught off guard by this maneuver. Back in the fall of 2024, he mentioned the big man and said, “When he’s done with basketball, I’m gonna get him out here at D-end, tight end.” That is a football player. “I’ll definitely have a spot.”
Schieffelin played football for Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, before joining the Clemson basketball team. He played quarterback and tight end, both of which showcased his athleticism and toughness.
He wouldn’t be the first Clemson athlete to cross over; DeAndre Hopkins notably played seven games for the Clemson basketball team as a freshman. Schieffelin had a terrific senior season, helping the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament. In the first round, they lost 69-67 to McNeese State. Last season, he averaged 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game over 34 games.
Over his four-year career, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 8.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Earlier this spring, he visited the transfer portal but elected not to enroll elsewhere, giving himself some time to assess the next step in his career. It turns out that the next step leads to the football field and Dabo Swinney as his new coach.
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