Social media reacts to reports of Clemson basketball star Ian Schieffelin playing football

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May 1, 2025 - 02:00
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Social media reacts to reports of Clemson basketball star Ian Schieffelin playing football

According to multiple reports, former Clemson basketball standout Ian Schieffelin is expected to trade in his sneakers for cleats and join the Tigers football team this fall. After entering the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month, it now appears Schieffelin will remain in Tigertown — this time as a football player.

Schieffelin recently completed his fourth season with the basketball program, where he blossomed into one of the ACC's top big men. He averaged 12.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game as a senior while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range. The Georgia native was named the ACC's Most Improved Player and earned second-team All-ACC honors for his performance in 2023–24.

But now, he may be headed back to his roots. Schieffelin played quarterback and tight end through his sophomore year at Grayson High School and generated Power Four football interest before choosing to pursue basketball. “I remember one of the Syracuse football coaches told me it would be the dumbest decision I’d ever make — going to basketball instead of playing football — because there’s only one LeBron,” Schieffelin recalled last fall. “Obviously, I didn’t listen to him. I actually have pretty good hands. I think I’d be all right.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has long admired Schieffelin’s athleticism and even joked about recruiting him to the football team last fall. “When he’s done with basketball, I’m gonna get him out here at D-end, tight end. That’s a football player,” Swinney said with a grin. “I’ll definitely have a spot.”

That spot may soon be filled. While it hasn’t officially happened yet, multiple reports say a plan is in motion to bring Schieffelin into the football program. He still has one year of eligibility remaining under the NCAA’s five-year window for student-athletes and is allowed to compete in another sport despite exhausting his basketball eligibility.

According to those familiar with the situation, Schieffelin’s camp has also pursued the possibility of a fifth year of basketball eligibility tied to the 2021 COVID season, but they’re not relying solely on that outcome. By entering the transfer portal before the April 22 deadline, Schieffelin extended his timeline to explore all options — including football.

If he does take the field this fall, he’ll join a small but notable group of Clemson athletes who’ve competed in both sports, including NFL All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who played in seven basketball games as a freshman in 2010.

Swinney believes Schieffelin has the tools to thrive on the gridiron, joking that while left tackle might be his most natural fit, it wouldn’t be flashy enough. “Nobody gets too excited about left tackle,” Swinney said. “Schieff would probably want to be a defensive end or tight end. But I’d definitely have a spot.”

It’s been years since Schieffelin last played organized football, but his size, hands, and toughness have Clemson’s coaching staff intrigued. With a successful college basketball career behind him, Schieffelin could soon make an unexpected but compelling return to the football field — this time in Death Valley.

Here is a look at how social media reacted to the huge news.

This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Reactions to reports of Swinney adding Schieffelin to Clemson football

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