Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin to Miss Season Opener Following DUI Dismissal

Ian Schieffelin’s Arrest and Legal Outcome

Schieffelin was arrested early Aug. 17 after Clemson City Police Officer Tyler Cantrell reported observing a vehicle swerving over the double yellow line on Tiger Boulevard near the Oconee bridge around 1:37 a.m.

The officer noted the car was rapidly approaching his patrol vehicle while traveling at roughly 40 mph. According to the incident report, Schieffelin did not submit to a breathalyzer test, and the arrest marked his first offense. He was released on bond later that morning.

As a result of the incident, Schieffelin will be unavailable for Clemson’s season opener against No. 9 LSU on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium.

Head coach Dabo Swinney cited the university’s athlete handbook, which mandates withholding players arrested for or charged with a DUI from a minimum of 10% of intercollegiate competitions, with further sanctions determined by the athletic director.

Schieffelin, 22, joined the football program in May after completing four seasons with Clemson’s basketball team. Although he exhausted his basketball eligibility, he retains one year in his five-year window to play football.

At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, he is the oldest but least experienced member of the Tigers’ tight end room, having not played competitive football since ninth grade.

This preseason, Schieffelin has been learning the fundamentals of the position, including blocking, footwork, and basic plays. With projected starter Olsen Patt-Henry, along with Josh Sapp, Christian Bentancur, and 2025 signee Logan Brooking, it remains unclear what role Schieffelin will play once eligible.

“I fully understand the responsibility that comes with being a student-athlete at Clemson,” Schieffelin said. “I remain committed to conducting myself in a manner that reflects positively on the university, my teammates, the athletic department, and myself.”