Clemson’s wide receivers played a key role in the resurgence of the Tigers’ offense in 2024.
Freshmen Bryant Wesco and T.J. Moore played crucial roles, combining for more than 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers should only increase next year.
However, it was veteran Antonio Williams that led the way, reeling in 75 catches for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns. All were team-highs and by a fairly large margin. Williams was fully healthy after an injury limited him to just four regular season games in 2023. In fact, for the first time in several years, the entire group was relatively healthy.
Fortunately, the Tigers are getting every key receiver back next season, meaning quarterback Cade Klubnik will have no shortage of options in the passing game. Clemson did lose Troy Stellato to the transfer portal, but it’s not like his 264 receiving yards from last season are irreplaceable. Noble Johnson transferred out too, but hadn’t seen the field much over his first two seasons.
Adam Randall is also expected to make the move to running back in the spring. While he did log 242 snaps after beginning the season as a starter, he finished with just 16 catches for 155 yards.
To help offset those losses, Dabo Swinney went to the portal and added Tristan Smith. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound wideout caught 76 passes for 934 yards with six touchdowns at Southeast Missouri State last season. Smith had three 100-yard receiving games and his 76 receptions and 84.9 receiving yards per game ranked among the Top 20 in the FCS. His addition gives the Tigers a lot of length on the outside.
Having a fully healthy Tyler Brown will be another boost for a passing attack that averaged 278.5 yards per game without him in 2024. Brown suffered an ankle injury early in the season and would end up redshirting.
Looking ahead to next season, though, it all starts with the big three. Williams, Wesco and Moore. Williams, who could have easily left for the NFL, will enter next season with several school records within his grasp. Wesco and Moore both proved their worth as freshmen, and those two are only going to get better the more they play.
Add in a healthy Brown, the transfer Smith, and Cole Turner, who has carved out a role as a complimentary piece, and the Tigers should have another passing attack that ranks among the best in the nation. In 2024, Clemson ranked inside of the Top 15 in passing yards per game.
The Tigers also signed 3-star Ju Ju Preston in the 2025 recruiting class, but he is likely to redshirt in 2025.
2025 WR Room
- Antonio Williams (R-Jr)
- T.J. Moore (So)
- Bryant Wesco (So)
- Tyler Brown (R-So)
- Tristan Smith (Sr)
- Cole Turner (R-Jr)
- Tink Kelley (R-So)
- Ju Ju Preston (Fr)
Outlook: While it’s not the deepest of rooms from a sheer numbers standpoint, that doesn’t take away from how high the ceiling is for this group. Obviously, one of the biggest keys will be staying healthy, but that is the case every season.
With a senior quarterback, a veteran in Williams leading the way, and those two freshmen now having a season of experience under their belts, this group could potentially take a huge jump next season. For that reason, expectations will be high, and they should be.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
