Ian Schieffelin is joining the Clemson football team, making the transition from basketball to play tight end. The move follows an offer from coach Dabo Swinney to spend the next six months with the team.
Swinney had previously joked about the 6-foot-8 power forward's potential as a tight end. He later extended a serious offer to Schieffelin, who had recently finished his fourth season with the Tigers basketball team.
Accepting the offer means Ian Schieffelin is forgoing potential professional basketball opportunities for now. He plans to play one final season in a Clemson Tigers jersey, transitioning from the hardwood to the gridiron.
Schieffelin was a productive player for the Clemson Tigers basketball team over the past two years. Last season, he averaged 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, leading the team in rebounding. The team earned a 5-seed in the NCAA tournament, losing to McNeese in the first round. He was named second-team All-ACC last season.
He entered the basketball transfer portal last month. This move, despite using his four years of eligibility, was reportedly due to guidance regarding pending NCAA cases that could potentially affect eligibility rules. He had been preparing for professional opportunities likely overseas or in the G League.
Before focusing on basketball, Ian Schieffelin played quarterback and tight end at Grayson High School in Georgia through the 10th grade. He played alongside running back Phil Mafah during his high school career.
At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, Schieffelin joins a tight end group that includes Olsen Patt-Henry, Josh Sapp, and Banks Pope. The position saw starting tight end Jake Briningstool sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent after last season.
Coach Swinney had publicly commented on Schieffelin's potential as a football player previously. In October 2024, he stated he would "definitely have a spot" for the player if he decided to switch sports.
Ian Schieffelin's transition adds him to a list of Clemson athletes who have participated in multiple sports. This group includes players like Will Taylor, DeAndre Hopkins, and CJ Spiller. Future commits like Tait Reynolds also plan to compete in multiple sports.
Schieffelin expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. "I've been just training for basketball, getting ready for the next level," Schieffelin told ESPN. "Dabo just walked me through the opportunity he was willing to give me, and it all sounded great, something I wanted to jump on. 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. To be able to be coached by Dabo and \tight ends coach Kyle Richardson is just a huge opportunity I couldn't pass up."
