Clemson basketball fan favorite Ian Schieffelin confirms shocking career move to football

The Clemson Tigers football team was recently rumored to be adding an unexpected new player for the upcoming season. However, it wasn’t a transfer portal addition or a late high school signee—it was someone who had been in Clemson’s backyard all along.

Just over a week ago, Clemson basketball fan favorite Ian Schieffelin entered the NCAA transfer portal, anticipating the possibility of a new rule that could grant college athletes five years of eligibility. This potential change had led many players—some with no remaining eligibility under current rules—to enter the portal in preparation.

“While I am pursing my options on the professional level I have been advised, due to pending NCAA cases, to enter the portal on the very outside chance more eligibility is allowed,” Schieffelin posted.

Now, just over a week later, reports surfaced that Schieffelin could be joining the Clemson football team as a tight end under head coach Dabo Swinney. Schieffelin, who played football in high school, brings notable physical attributes to the position.

“Standing at 6-foot-8 and 240 lbs, Schieffelin has elite size for a tight end and could become a major red-zone threat if used properly,” Liam Willerup wrote.

On Friday, Schieffelin made it official, announcing the move himself. This isn’t the first time a Clemson athlete has made a similar transition—NFL star DeAndre Hopkins also spent time with the football team during his tenure at the university. Schieffelin shared how the opportunity came together.

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“Dabo just walked me through the opportunity he was willing to give me, and it all sounded great, something I wanted to jump on," Schieffelin told ESPN. "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.”

Already a fan favorite on the basketball court, Schieffelin is likely to become just as popular on the football field. This could turn out to be a valuable pickup for Swinney and the Tigers.