Will Shipley plans to make decision on future after bowl game

Clemson Tigers running back Will Shipley is focused on one thing at the moment, and that’s the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Earlier this month, Shipley confirmed that he was weighing two options — returning to Clemson for 2024, or moving on to the NFL. Transferring to another school simply wasn’t on his mind.

“With where I am at this point in the process, it’s either to move on to the next level, being the NFL, or staying back and continuing to be a Clemson Tiger,” Shipley said. “Transferring is just not something that my family and I think we represent as a family.”

Some hoped Shipley would make his decision before the Gator Bowl. Nevertheless, the Clemson running back shed some light on the situation, elaborating on the fact that he’s planning on making his decision after the final whistle.

“I think for me, the most important thing is finishing this season on a strong note, not for me and whatever decision I make, but for guys like Tyler and guys like Put. They’ve put their life and everything they have into this program. My number one priority is sending them off on the right note,” Shipley said. “In terms of my decision, kind of where I’m at, I think finishing this game, being able to go home with family, just discuss with them, talk through everything. Look at all the components and all the factors and be able to make a smart, thorough decision.

“As I said, the number one important thing to me right now is this game tomorrow at noon, sending these boys off to my left on the right note.”

Alas, Shipley battled injuries some this season but still put together a solid year, rushing for 798 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also caught 29 passes for 235 yards and two scores.

He was named first-team All-ACC at three different positions in 2022, before putting together another solid season in 2023.

The North Carolina native was ranked as the No. 3 running back in the country and the No. 36 overall player in the nation in the class of 2021, according to the On3 Industry rankings.

Whenever Will Shipley does decide to move on from Clemson, Tigers fans will be in his corner. Regardless of what the future holds, the running back is hoping to end 2023 with a victory over Kentucky. We’ll see if he’s able to get it done.