From the Hardwood to the Gridiron: Ian Schieffelin Makes Stunning Switch to Football, Says “Excited for Next Chapter”

In a move few saw coming but many are now talking about, Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin has confirmed he is making a dramatic transition from basketball to football. The 6-foot-8, 238-pound forward, who played a key role for the Tigers on the court over the past few seasons, announced the change via Instagram with a simple but powerful message: “Excited for next chapter. Go Tigers.”

The post sent ripples through both college basketball and football communities, sparking conversations, praise, speculation, and even some disbelief. Though rumors had floated around earlier this offseason that Schieffelin was exploring options beyond basketball, including professional opportunities overseas or a potential transfer, few could have predicted this. Schieffelin now joins a very short but intriguing list of high-level athletes who have traded one sport for another while still in college, and even fewer who’ve done it in the same athletic department.

Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney, known for embracing athletes with diverse backgrounds and unconventional paths, seems to be welcoming the move. While no official statement has been made by Swinney or Clemson’s football program as of this writing, insiders indicate that Schieffelin has already begun the early stages of conditioning and positional evaluations with the football staff. It’s still unclear exactly where Schieffelin will line up on the field, but given his size, physicality, and instincts on the hardwood, many believe tight end or defensive end are the most likely destinations.

Schieffelin’s toughness has never been in question. During his time on the basketball team, he carved out a reputation as a gritty, versatile player who could do the dirty work in the paint and stretch the floor when needed. His hustle, rebounding tenacity, and defensive presence were essential in Clemson’s 2023-24 campaign, helping the Tigers reach the Sweet 16. While not a traditional star in terms of scoring, Schieffelin’s value went far beyond the box score. Coaches routinely praised his work ethic, physical durability, and unselfishness.

That same toughness could serve him well in his new sport, where he’ll need to learn quickly to adapt to the pace, technique, and physical toll of football. Unlike many athletes who start playing football in their early teens, Schieffelin’s experience in the sport is limited. He last played organized football in middle school before committing fully to basketball during high school at Grayson High in Georgia. There, he developed into one of the state’s top forwards and eventually earned a scholarship to play at Clemson under Brad Brownell.

But even as he grew into a reliable college basketball player, Schieffelin never entirely let go of the idea of football. According to those close to him, he had long admired the sport and often watched Clemson football with a deep appreciation for the athletes and strategy involved. That admiration may have slowly turned into aspiration.

The timing of his decision is telling. With Clemson basketball going through offseason adjustments and roster changes, including portal activity and evaluations by the coaching staff, Schieffelin likely saw an opportunity to chart a new path that reignited his competitive drive. Additionally, NIL opportunities for football players — particularly at a program like Clemson — may have played a role in his decision. The growing overlap between collegiate marketing potential and athletic performance in high-profile sports cannot be overlooked, and a multi-sport athlete, even if still developing in one of the sports, offers unique brand value.

Reactions to the news have been widespread, with many fans expressing surprise but also curiosity and support. On X (formerly Twitter), Schieffelin’s name quickly began trending regionally as Clemson fans and national observers weighed in on what the move could mean. Some pointed to former college basketball players like Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, who made successful transitions to the NFL despite limited or no college football experience. Though those examples set a high bar, they also underscore that such a switch — while uncommon — is not impossible, especially for athletes with the right combination of size, coordination, and mental fortitude.

“From a physical tools perspective, Ian Schieffelin is an interesting project,” one ACC scout said anonymously. “You don’t teach that kind of frame or how hard he plays. If the football IQ comes along and he’s coached well, this could actually work.”

If indeed Schieffelin is eyeing a tight end role, he’ll have the benefit of learning from a tight end room at Clemson that has experience and depth. The Tigers have done well at the position in recent years, with players like Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool showing versatility and toughness. Schieffelin’s size and rebounding background could translate into red zone value, where his hands and ability to box out could create mismatches. On the defensive side, his lateral agility and footwork from basketball might make him a candidate for defensive end, a position that also demands relentless effort and leverage — two things Schieffelin delivered consistently on the court.

Of course, the transition won’t be without its challenges. The physical punishment in football is different than anything he faced in basketball, and the risk of injury is a factor that can’t be dismissed. He’ll also have to quickly absorb years of technical instruction that other players have internalized since high school. Learning a college football playbook and adjusting to the tempo of practice, drills, and game preparation will require significant focus and humility.

There’s also the question of expectations. Will fans expect him to dominate just because he was a solid contributor in basketball? Or will there be room for him to develop at a natural pace? Those around the program say Schieffelin is approaching the switch with realistic goals and a willingness to earn everything.

“He’s not coming in thinking he’s a superstar,” said one source close to the Clemson football staff. “He’s coming in like a walk-on with a lot to prove. And that’s a good place to start.”

His Clemson teammates from the basketball program have also voiced support. Several former teammates commented on his Instagram post with fire emojis, prayer hands, and words like “Let’s go, big fella!” and “Proud of you.” Head coach Brad Brownell, while likely surprised by the decision, has not issued a public comment yet. However, sources indicate that the parting was amicable and that Brownell respects Schieffelin’s desire to pursue a new challenge.

As for Schieffelin, the decision seems rooted in both personal ambition and a willingness to embrace risk. There’s a certain freedom that comes with betting on yourself, and that appears to be exactly what he’s doing. Whether or not the football experiment results in meaningful playing time, or even a professional future, Schieffelin has already done something rare in college athletics — made a choice that’s bold, unconventional, and self-driven.

The coming months will be crucial in determining how realistic Schieffelin’s chances are to make an impact. Clemson’s fall camp could serve as a proving ground. If he shows flashes of potential, he could be groomed for special teams or certain packages that take advantage of his unique skill set. If not, he may still find fulfillment in the journey and perhaps even return to basketball at some point down the road — though that seems unlikely given the tone of his announcement.

This isn’t the first time Clemson has had a multi-sport storyline capture attention. From athletes like Kyle Parker and Tanner Muse, who had success in football and baseball, to the overall culture under Dabo Swinney that encourages competition and personal growth, the school has a history of giving athletes room to explore all aspects of their talents. Schieffelin may just be the latest chapter in that story.

And maybe that’s what his Instagram caption was all about — more than just a nod to football or a goodbye to basketball, it was a declaration of belief in himself. A belief that, even with little to no football resume, his next chapter doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s blueprint.

Excited for the next chapter, indeed.

Go Tigers.