Dabo Swinney previews Ian Schieffelin's role with Clemson after DUI arrest, suspension

After four seasons with the Clemson basketball team, Ian Schieffelin is expected to see his first snaps as a member of the Tigers football team in Saturday’s Week 2 home game against Troy. The power forward-turned-tight end sat out last Saturday’s season-opening loss to LSU while serving a one-game suspension for an Aug. 17 arrest for DUI that has since been reduced to reckless driving.

Ahead of that opportunity, longtime Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney made it clear Schieffelin is going to be treated just like everyone else in his new position group. Schieffelin will make his own opportunities on the field when they come organically.

“He’s just working his way back. He had a really good camp, he’s made a ton of progress,” Swinney said Wednesday. “So he’s just one of our tight ends that’s waiting on an opportunity, working for an opportunity, and just preparing every day to get better and better.”

Last week, following the incident, a one-game suspension was announced. Schieffelin released a statement addressing the matter and announced 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,” 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,” Schieffelin continued. “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.”

Ian Schieffelin: ‘I have learned a valuable lesson … and my commitment is to grow from this’

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 at the start of Fall camp, Swinney was nothing but impressed by Schieffelin’s ability to pick up football concepts. He elaborated in the offseason.

“He’s trending in the right direction,” Swinney said in early August. “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.”