Clemson TE Ian Schieffelin releases statement after DUI arrest, suspension

Clemson tight end Ian Schieffelin has released a statement following his DUI arrest and subsequent suspension. The Tigers pass-catcher has proclaimed that he’s “determined to learn from this experience.”

“On Sunday, August 17, 2025, I was charged by the City of Clemson Police Department with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). After all the evidence was reviewed, the DUI charge has been dismissed by the City of Clemson Police Department and I accepted a traffic ticket for Reckless Driving.

“As part of the resolution of this matter, I will not be allowed to play in the home opener against LSU. I am determined to learn from this experience and move forward with renewed focus,” Schieffelin’s statement read, via Chapel Fowler of The State.

“I fully understand the responsibility that comes with being a student-athlete at Clemson, and I remain committed to conducting myself in a manner that reflects positively on the university, my teammates, the athletic department, and myself. I also want to emphasize my continued respect for law enforcement and the City of Clemson Police Department.

“I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and my commitment is to grow from this, and to represent Clemson with the integrity and character it deserves.”

The one-game suspension will certainly hurt for the tight end, but it’ll only raise his hunger to get back onto the field afterwards. There’s a lot of hype surrounding Schieffelin and his first season on the gridiron.

Formerly on the Clemson basketball team, Schieffelin announced his plans to join the football program back in April. He played four seasons for the Tigers’ basketball team, averaging double digits in scoring over his final two seasons. As a senior, he put up 12.4 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game. 2.7 assists per game, shot 49.5% from the floor and 34.1% from three-point range.

When the Tigers started practicing with pads in fall camp, Dabo Swinney believed would tell him a lot about Schieffelin’s toughness. At that point, the coach was nothing but impressed.

“He’s trending in the right direction,” Swinney said. “I’m really pleased with him. I knew we just had to get to pads. You know he’s an athlete, you know all that stuff, but how’s he gonna take to the pads? He just looks like he’s a natural. We got some technique things to clean up — playing a little lower and stuff like that — but he’s physical.

“It just comes natural to him. He’s willing, he’s not afraid and he’s really improved. He’s getting better every day. I’m very pleased with his progress.”

Time will tell how Ian Schieffelin’s football career goes. He’ll miss Clemson’s opening contest, but beyond that, he has a shot to become a major player for the Tigers in a whole new venture for him.

— On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.