Clemson star Will Shipley met with the media following Thursday’s bowl practice.

The junior running back is planning to play in the Gator Bowl when the 22nd-ranked Tigers face Kentucky in Jacksonville, Fla., on December 29.

As for his future after this season and whether he will be back playing for Clemson in 2024, Shipley addressed that topic again when asked about it Thursday.

“For my family and I, it’s something that I think we wish we could have an answer by now, but it just hasn’t come to me,” Shipley said regarding his decision-making process for next year. “I knew that I wanted to play in the bowl game, there was no doubt, and I wanted to get out there with my boys at least one more time and just go out there, finish the season on the right note with five wins in a row.

“But ultimately, just haven’t come to a decision yet with my family and I, and me personally, nothing’s too clear for me right now.”

In a follow-up question, Shipley was asked if he would consider transferring or if his decision is between returning to Clemson or heading to the NFL.

“That’s a great question,” Shipley said. “With where I am at this point in the process, it’s either to move on to the next level, be in the NFL, or staying back and continuing to be a Clemson Tiger. Transferring is just not something that my family and I think we represent as a family. Not saying that it’s not a great option for some people. But for me in my position, where I’m at, it’s either on to the big leagues or staying back at Clemson University and being a Tiger for one more year.”

Shipley added that he’s in “a stalemate” with himself right now as he goes through the decision-making process.

“If I’m being as transparent as I can be, it’s just that I’ve really just been back and forth,” he said. “Some mornings I wake up and I think there’s no other option than to move on and go try my luck at the NFL, and then some days I wake up and I think I would be stupid to not come back and come win a national championship with the guys that I came in with.

“So, it’s a difficult decision and I wish I could sit here and say that I do have a decision that I’ve made. But I’m still just so back and forth with it, going to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just hoping that he’ll give me an answer. But also in no rush. Like I said, I’m soaking it all in, enjoying every moment with my best friends, teammates, coaches, everybody that has shaped me into who I am today through this program and just enjoying it. But honestly, a stalemate with myself right now, just trying to make that decision and see it clear.”

During the 2023 regular season, Shipley rushed 156 times for 798 yards and five touchdowns while catching 29 passes for 235 yards and two receiving touchdowns in 11 games (eight starts).

This season, the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder became the ninth player in school history to score 30 career touchdowns and the eighth player at Clemson ever to rush for 30 touchdowns.

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is sellingfootballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.