In a move that has Clemson fans buzzing, basketball standout Ian Schieffelin is trading his high tops for cleats. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward who earned second-team All-ACC honors isn’t transferring for a fifth basketball season. Instead, he’s joining Dabo Swinney’s football squad as a tight end, reviving his high school football career after four years dominating the hardwood.
Could Ian Schieffelin’s Football Journey Inspire More NCAA Crossovers?
The transition echoes another Clemson legend, DeAndre Hopkins, though in reverse. While Hopkins was primarily a football star who briefly played basketball, Schieffelin built his Clemson legacy on the court, becoming the heart and soul of a basketball program that set school records.
Now, the Atlanta native hopes his athleticism and competitive spirit translate to football in what could be one of college sports’ most intriguing comebacks.
Schieffelin’s decision comes at a fascinating time in college athletics. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters and NIL deals changing incentives, his choice to remain at Clemson but switch sports represents a unique path.
As a basketball player who tallied 1,067 points, 884 rebounds, and a school record 262 assists, Schieffelin already proved his athletic versatility.
NEW: Former Clemson star basketball player Ian Schieffelin is planning to join the football team, @TIinClemson reports👀https://t.co/65FeToDLai pic.twitter.com/9FuWg8QFyU
— On3 (@On3sports) April 30, 2025
The transition from basketball to football has successful precedents beyond campus. NFL tight ends Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham famously made the leap from basketball courts to professional football fields.
Schieffelin’s move could inspire similar crossovers, especially among basketball players whose size, hands, and athleticism might translate well to tight end positions.
From Basketball Star to Football Project
What makes Schieffelin’s journey compelling is how his basketball skill set might translate to tight end. Throughout his 134 games (99 starts) for Clemson basketball, Schieffelin displayed exceptional court awareness and physical play.
His senior year averages of 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game showcase a player who knows how to use his frame to create advantages, a crucial skill for tight ends.
The Clemson tight end room currently lacks depth following Jake Briningstool’s departure, creating a genuine opportunity for Schieffelin to earn playing time.
While he hasn’t played organized football since his sophomore year of high school, his physical profile and years of high-level athletic competition give him advantages most football newcomers lack.
While comparisons to DeAndre Hopkins are inevitable, they tell different stories. Hopkins arrived at Clemson as an elite football prospect who set school records before his NFL stardom.
Schieffelin, meanwhile, established himself as a fan favorite in Clemson’s basketball program. Known for inspiring “chef hats” in the crowd and embodying “Clemson Grit” basketball legacy is secure regardless of football outcomes.
Dabo Swinney has joked for years about recruiting Schieffelin once his basketball eligibility expired.
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Now that joke becomes reality in what could be a low-risk, high-reward scenario. If Schieffelin can channel the work ethic that transformed him from a three-star recruit to an All-ACC performer, Clemson’s football crowd might soon be donning chef hats alongside their traditional orange overalls.
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