2023 Clemson Tigers football team explained

Year:2023
Sport:football
Team:Clemson Tigers
Conference:Atlantic Coast Conference
Short Conf:ACC
Aprank:20
Coachrank:20
Record:9–4
Conf Record:4–4
Head Coach:Dabo Swinney
Hc Year:15th full, 16th overall
Off Coach:Garrett Riley
Oc Year:1st
Off Scheme:Power raid
Def Coach:Wes Goodwin
Dc Year:2nd
Codef Coach1:Mickey Conn
Codc1 Year:2nd
Def Scheme:4–3 / 4–2–5 hybrid
Stadium:Memorial Stadium
Champion:Gator Bowl champion
Bowl:Gator Bowl
Bowl Result:W 38–35 vs. Kentucky

The 2023 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by Dabo Swinney, in his 16th year as Clemson's head coach. On the field, the team was led by sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik who was rated by Rivals.com as the No. 3 player in the 2022 college football recruiting class.[1]

Clemson was ranked ninth by Rivals.com in the 2023 college football recruiting class.[2] Notable players committing to Clemson in the 2023 class include defensive tackle Peter Woods and defensive lineman Vic Burley. The Clemson football team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

Head coach Dabo Swinney became the winningest coach in program history after upsetting Notre Dame, 31–23, on November 4. With the win versus Notre Dame, Swinney surpassed Frank Howard in program wins with 166.

The Clemson Tigers football team drew an average home attendance of 81,334 in 2023, the 14th highest in college football.[3]

Offseason

Recruiting

See main article: 2023 college football recruiting class.

Clemson's 2023 class consisted of 26 signees.[4] The class was ranked second in the ACC and eleventh best overall by the 247Sports Composite.[5]

Players leaving for NFL

NFL draftees

128Myles MurphyDECincinnati Bengals
129Bryan BreseeDTNew Orleans Saints
386Trenton SimpsonLBBaltimore Ravens
5137KJ HenryDEWashington Commanders
5156Jordan McFaddenOGLos Angeles Chargers
5175Davis AllenTELos Angeles Rams

Undrafted free agents

B. T. PotterPKPittsburgh Steelers[6]
Joseph NgataWRPhiladelphia Eagles[7]

Transfers

Players leaving

Players Leaving
Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown College transferred toSource(s)
Fred Davis II 2 6'1" 200 Senior [8]
Dacari Collins 3 6'4" 212 Sophomore [9]
5 6'4" 251 Junior [10]
E.J. Williams 6 6'3" 195 Senior [11]
Kobe Pace 7 5'10" 205 Senior [12]
Kevin Swint 14 6'3" 242 Senior [13]
17 6'3" 200 Sophomore [14]
Malcolm Greene 21 5'10" 190 Junior [15] [16]
TJ Dudley 26 6'3" 220 Freshman [17] [18]
Etinosa Reuben 32 6'3" 295 Junior [19]
Liam Boyd 37 6'1" 195 Freshman [20] [21]
LaVonta Bentley 42 6'0" 230 Graduate [22]
Sergio Allen 45 6'1" 230 Sophomore [23]
Greg Williams 99 6'4" 260 Junior Left Program [24]

Post-season Transfers

The following players entered the transfer portal during the designated 45 day window after championship selections are made.

Post-season Transfers
Name Number Pos. Height Weight Year Hometown College transferred toSource(s)
1 6'0" 195 Junior [26] [27]
Sage Ennis 11 6'4" 240 Junior [28] [29] [30]
Brannon Spector 13 6'1" 205 Senior [31]
Hunter Helms 18 6'2" 210 Junior [32] [33] [34]
Domonique Thomas 20 5'8" 210 Junior [35] [36]
Toriano Pride 23 5'11" 190 Sophomore [37] [38]
Lannden Zanders 36 6'1" 189 Senior TBD [39]
David Ojiegbe 42 6'3" 240 Freshman [40] [41]
Jaden Kinard 46 5'10" 185 Freshman TBD [42]
Mitchell Mayes 77 6'3" 305 Senior [43] [44]
80 6'3" 210 Junior [45] [46]

Preseason

Award watchlists

Listed in the order that they were released

Award Player PositionYear
LB SO
HC –
RB JR
QB SO
Will Shipley RB JR
TE SO
C GS
Barrett Carter LB SO
JR
S JR
Barrett Carter LB SO
Award Player PositionYear
DT SR
Will Shipley RB JR
Wuerffel Trophy
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB JR
Barrett Carter LB SO
Tyler Davis DT SR
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB JR
Barrett Carter LB SO
Tyler Davis DT SR
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB JR
Cade Klubnik QB SO

Schedule

Clemson and the ACC announced the 2023 football schedule on January 30, 2023.[47] [48] The 2023 season will be the conference's first season since 2004 that its scheduling format just includes one division. The new format sets Clemson with three set conference opponents, while playing the remaining ten teams twice (home and away) in a four–year cycle. The Tigers three set conference opponents for the next four years is; Florida State, Georgia Tech, and NC State.[49] [50]

[51] [52] [53]

Personnel

Coaching staff

Clemson Tigers football current coaching staff[54]
Head coachUniversity of Alabama (1993) 16th
Assistant coach/defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Mississippi State University (2009) 12th
Assistant head coach/Special teams coordinator/cornerbacks coach Boston College (1994) 11th
Assistant coach/co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach University of Alabama (1995) 8th
Assistant coach/passing game coordinator/tight ends coach Appalachian State University (2001) 8th
Assistant coach/offensive linemen coach Clemson University (2010) 6th
Assistant coach/defensive ends coach University of Alabama (1993) 6th
Assistant coach/Recruiting coordinator/wide receivers coach Clemson University (2009) 4th
Assistant coach/running backs coach Clemson University (2009) 3rd
Assistant coach/Defensive run game coordinator/defensive tackles coach Clemson University (2001)2nd
Assistant coach/Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks coach Texas Tech (2012) 1st

Roster

[55]

Game summaries

At Duke

See also: 2023 Duke Blue Devils football team.

Charleston Southern

See also: 2023 Charleston Southern Buccaneers football team.

Florida Atlantic

See also: 2023 Florida Atlantic Owls football team.

No. 4 Florida State

See also: 2023 Florida State Seminoles football team.

At Syracuse

See also: 2023 Syracuse Orange football team.

Wake Forest

See also: 2023 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team.

At Miami (FL)

See also: 2023 Miami Hurricanes football team.

At NC State

See also: 2023 NC State Wolfpack football team and Textile Bowl.

Notre Dame

See also: 2023 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Georgia Tech

See also: 2023 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team.

North Carolina

See also: 2023 North Carolina Tar Heels football team.

at South Carolina (rivalry)

See also: 2023 South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

Statistics CLEMSC
First downs 19 12
Total yards 73–319 56–169
Rushing yards 46–219 24–57
Passing yards 100 112
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 15–27–1 16–32–1
Time of possession 38:00 22:00
Team Category Player Statistics
Clemson Passing Cade Klubnik 15/27, 100 yards, INT
Rushing Phil Mafah 19 rushes, 89 yards
Receiving Tyler Brown 5 receptions, 40 yards
South Carolina Passing 16/32, 112 yards, INT
Rushing Mario Anderson 13 rushes, 35 yards
Receiving 6 receptions, 68 yards

Vs. Kentucky

See also: 2023 Gator Bowl and 2023 Kentucky Wildcats football team.

Statistics CLEMUK
First downs 2412
Total yards 80–36751–398
Rushing yards 39–10323–92
Passing yards 264306
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 30–41–1 16–28–2
Time of possession 34:5825:02
Team Category Player Statistics
Clemson Passing Cade Klubnik 30/41, 264 yards, INT
Rushing Phil Mafah 11 carries, 71 yards, 4 TD
Receiving Jake Briningstool 9 receptions, 91 yards
Kentucky Passing Devin Leary 16/28, 306 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Ray Davis 13 carries, 63 yards, TD
Receiving Barion Brown 3 receptions, 100 yards, TD

Awards and honors

All-American!style=""
PlayerAPAFCAFWAATSNWCFFDesignation
2 2 – 2 – None
The NCAA recognizes a selection to all five of the AP, AFCA, FWAA, TSN and WCFF first teams for unanimous selections and three of five for consensus selections. HM = Honorable mention. Source:[56]
All-ACC
PlayerPositionTeam
Tyler DavisDTFirst-Team
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.LB
Nate WigginsCB
Barrett CarterLBSecond Team
Jake BriningstoolTEThird Team
Blake MillerOT
Will PutnamC
Ruke OrhorhoroDT
Will ShipleyRBHonorable Mention
AP
Phil MafahRB
Xavier ThomasDE
T. J. Parker
Khalil BarnesS
Andrew Mukuba
R.J. Mickens
Source:[57]

Players drafted into the NFL

See also: 2024 NFL draft.

130Nate WigginsCBBaltimore Ravens
235Ruke OrhorhoroDTAtlanta Falcons
4127Will ShipleyRBPhiladelphia Eagles
5138Xavier ThomasDEArizona Cardinals
5155Jeremiah Trotter Jr.LBPhiladelphia Eagles
6196Tyler DavisDTLos Angeles Rams

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rivals 250. Rivals.com. September 11, 2022.
  2. Web site: 2023 Team Rankings. Rivals.com. December 21, 2022.
  3. Web site: 2023 FBS Attendance Trends. d1ticker.com. D1.ticker. December 1, 2024.
  4. Web site: Clemson 2023 Football Commits. 247Sports.com. May 3, 2023.
  5. Web site: 2023 Football Team Rankings [Composite]]. 247Sports.com. May 3, 2023.
  6. Web site: Steelers' B.T. Potter: Signs with Pittsburgh. cbssports.com. CBS Sports. April 30, 2023. May 3, 2023.
  7. Web site: Tracking Clemson football’s undrafted free agents after 2023 NFL Draft. Christina. Long. The Greenville News. April 30, 2023. May 3, 2023.
  8. Web site: Former Clemson CB Fred Davis Announces Commitment to UCF. Sports Illustrated. JP. Priester. December 19, 2022. July 27, 2023.
  9. Web site: Clemson transfer ends up at ACC rival. Clemson Insider. December 17, 2022. August 11, 2023.
  10. Web site: Ex-Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei Announces Transfer to Oregon State. Sports Illustrated. Nick. Selbe. December 24, 2022. July 27, 2023.
  11. Web site: Clemson Wide Receiver E.J. Williams Transfers to Indiana. Sports Illustrated. Jack. Ankony. January 6, 2023. July 27, 2023.
  12. Web site: Former Clemson RB Kobe Pace commits to ACC school. TigerNet. December 20, 2022. July 27, 2023.
  13. Web site: Former Clemson DE Kevin Swint announces transfer commitment. TigerNet. December 12, 2022. July 27, 2023.
  14. Web site: Clemson QB Billy Wiles transfers to Southern Mississippi. TigerNet. Tony. Crumpton. December 15, 2022. July 27, 2023.
  15. Web site: Clemson Loses Malcolm Greene to the Transfer Portal. si.com. Sports Illustrated. Christian. Goeckel. April 20, 2023. May 3, 2023.
  16. Web site: Former Clemson defensive back Malcolm Greene transfers to Virginia. greenvilleonline.com. The Greenville News. Christina. Long. May 1, 2023. May 3, 2023.
  17. Web site: Clemson LB TJ Dudley enters transfer portal after dismissal. TigerNet. July 19, 2023. July 20, 2023.
  18. Web site: Former Clemson defender TJ Dudley commits to SEC school. TigerNet. July 29, 2023. July 29, 2023.
  19. Web site: Clemson Defensive Lineman Transfer Etinosa Reuben Commits To Georgia Tech. Sports Illustrated. Jackson. Caudell. January 10, 2023. July 27, 2023.
  20. Web site: Clemson kicker Liam Boyd enters the transfer portal. TigerNet. May 1, 2023. May 3, 2023.
  21. Web site: Former Clemson kicker Liam Boyd transferring to UNC. Tony Crumpton. TigerNet. May 17, 2023. June 27, 2023.
  22. Web site: Former Clemson LB LaVonta Bentley Announces Commitment to Colorado. Sports Illustrated. JP. Priester. December 19, 2022. July 27, 2023.
  23. Web site: Clemson LB announces transfer destination. Clemson Wire. Justin. Robertson. December 21, 2022. August 11, 2023.
  24. Web site: Graduate defensive end Greg Williams has left the program. TigerNet. June 26, 2023. June 27, 2023.
  25. Web site: Former Alabama and Arizona St. QB Paul Tyson Set to Transfer to Clemson. si.com. FanNation. JP. Priester. December 21, 2022. April 14, 2023.
  26. Web site: Clemson DB Andrew Mukuba enters NCAA transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 5, 2023. December 5, 2023.
  27. Web site: Clemson DB Andrew Mukuba announces transfer destination. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 18, 2023. December 18, 2023.
  28. Web site: Clemson TE headed to the portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. November 30, 2023. November 30, 2023.
  29. Web site: Former Clemson tight end Sage Ennis announces transfer destination . tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 17, 2023. December 17, 2023.
  30. Web site: Former Clemson TE Sage Ennis switches transfer to ACC school. tigernet.com. TigerNet. January 8, 2024. January 14, 2024.
  31. Web site: Clemson WR Brannon Spector enters transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. January 3, 2024. January 3, 2024.
  32. Web site: Clemson QB Hunter Helms enters transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. November 28, 2023. November 28, 2023.
  33. Web site: Former Clemson quarterback finds new home at FCS football program. The Charlotte Observer. Chapel. Fowler. January 5, 2024. January 7, 2024.
  34. Web site: Former Clemson WR Brannon Spector announces transfer destination. tigernet.com. TigerNet. January 10, 2024. January 14, 2024.
  35. Web site: Clemson RB Domonique Thomas enters the portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 4, 2023. December 4, 2023.
  36. Web site: Clemson RB Domonique Thomas announces transfer destination. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 16, 2023. December 17, 2023.
  37. Web site: Clemson defensive back Toriano Pride announces transfer portal entry. tigernet.com. TigerNet. November 30, 2023. December 1, 2023.
  38. Web site: Former Clemson DB Toriano Pride Jr. commits to SEC school. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 6, 2023. December 7, 2023.
  39. Web site: Reports: Former Clemson safety Lannden Zanders enters transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 19, 2023. January 2, 2024.
  40. Web site: Clemson D-linemen David Ojiegbe enters transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 5, 2023. December 5, 2023.
  41. Web site: Former Clemson defender David Ojiegbe announces transfer destination. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 19, 2023. December 20, 2023.
  42. Web site: Son of Clemson legend enters transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. January 2, 2024. January 3, 2024.
  43. Web site: Clemson lineman Mitchell Mayes enters transfer portal. tigernet.com. TigerNet. November 29, 2023. November 29, 2023.
  44. Web site: Former Clemson lineman Mitchell Mayes announces transfer destination. tigernet.com. TigerNet. December 11, 2023. December 12, 2023.
  45. Web site: Clemson football wide receiver Beaux Collins will enter transfer portal. The Greenville News. Christina. Long. November 30, 2023. November 30, 2023.
  46. Web site: Former Clemson WR commits to Notre Dame. tigernet.com. TigerNet. Tony. Crumpton. December 10, 2023. December 11, 2023.
  47. Web site: Clemson football's 2023 schedule announced. WYFF. Julia. Morris. February 2, 2023. January 30, 2023.
  48. Web site: Clemson 2023 football schedule: Tigers to face eight bowl teams. Greenville News. Scott. Keepfer. February 2, 2023. January 30, 2023.
  49. ACC Announces Football Schedule Model for 2023–26 . Atlantic Coast Conference . June 28, 2022 . February 2, 2023.
  50. Web site: Clemson football learns its permanent opponents in ACC's new schedule plan. Greenville News. Scott. Keepfer. February 2, 2023. June 28, 2022.
  51. Web site: Clemson Tigers 2023 Schedule. espn.com. ESPN. January 31, 2023.
  52. Web site: 2023 Clemson Football Schedule . FBSchedules.com . January 31, 2023.
  53. Web site: 2023 Clemson Tigers Football Schedule. Palmetto Bowl. December 22, 2022.
  54. Web site: Football Coaching Staff. clemsontigers.com. Clemson University Athletics. May 10, 2023.
  55. Web site: 2023–24 Football Roster. Clemson University Athletics. clemsontigers.com. July 29, 2023.
  56. Web site: Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-Americans. The Aassociated Press. apnews.com. Ralph. Russo. December 28, 2020. December 28, 2020.
  57. Web site: Atlantic Coast Conference Announces 2023 All-ACC Football Teams. theacc.com. Atlantic Coast Conference. November 28, 2023. November 28, 2023.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2023 Clemson Tigers football team".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.