Gator Bowl Opt-Outs Adding up for Clemson Defense

Mark Stoops met with the media Monday afternoon to discuss the chaotic offseason Kentucky’s Gator Bowl berth. The Kentucky head coach was pleased to report that most of the Wildcats’ roster will remain intact for the game. The same cannot be said about Clemson.

The Tigers’ defense is one of the best in college football. Clemson ranks No. 13 nationally in efficiency according to ESPN’s SP+ rankings. The Tigers’ fifth-ranked pass defense (allowing 162.2 yards per game) has picked off 13 passes this season, the second-most in the ACC. That unit has taken a significant hit since the end of the regular season.

Nate Wiggins is one of the top cornerback prospects in next year’s NFL Draft. Projected to be a top 15 selection in April, the shut-down defender announced last week that his college football career has reached a conclusion. The man who could’ve stepped into his place in the Gator Bowl, Toriano Pride, shared on Wednesday that he will transfer to Missouri.

Those aren’t the only losses to the Clemson secondary. Starting strong safety/nickel Andrew Makuba entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. The former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year has since picked up offers from Oregon, Ole Miss and Arizona State. Makuba tallied 45 tackles, the fourth-most on the team, and seven pass break-ups this fall for the Tigers.

Not Just Defections to the Clemson Secondary

If you thought losing two of their best players in the secondary was a big deal, just wait. There’s more!

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was one of the highest-volume tacklers in the ACC this fall. He led the Tigers with 88 tackles, 15.0 for loss and 5.5 sacks. The animal in the middle of the Clemson defense is done, taking his talents to the NFL Draft.

Ruke Orhorhoro cannot mirror Trotter’s production, but the defensive tackle was the most dominant force in the middle of the Clemson front. The 6-foot-4, 288-pounder tallied 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He’s expected to be a top 50 pick in April’s NFL Draft.

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A Few More Opt-Outs

For those keeping track at home, Clemson will be without its best player at every level of the defense against Kentucky in the Gator Bowl. Those aren’t the only players that will be absent.

Beaux Collins — The Clemson wide receiver room isn’t great, but he was one of their top pass-catchers. The starting wide receiver finished second on the team with 510 yards and caught three touchdown passes in 2023. The outgoing transfer is visiting Notre Dame this weekend.

Dominque Thomas — Clemson’s No. 3 running back has hit the transfer portal. He had 119 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

Mitchell Mayes — The offensive lineman started in five games this fall before hitting the transfer portal.

Sage Ennis — The No. 2 tight end on Clemson’s depth chart is going portaling after catching three passes for 52 yards. He appeared in 10 games and received one start.

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