CLEMSON — Former Clemson defensive tackle Payton Page is getting his shot.
Multiple reports suggest that Page will sign as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets after not hearing his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Page finished his four-year Clemson career (2021-24) credited with 69 tackles (6.5 for loss), a half-sack, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a 57-yard pick-six in 53 career games (14 starts).
He was one of the Tigers’ defensive leaders as a senior last season, when he earned third-team All-ACC honors after posting 36 tackles (2.5 for loss), 0.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a pick-six over 14 games (all starts).
Page’s work ethic is a major reason why he’s where he is today, especially the hard work he has put in when it comes to transforming his body.
After joining Clemson’s program in 2021 as a four-star and top-40 national prospect from Dudley High in Greensboro, N.C., Page tipped the scales at nearly 400 pounds at Clemson’s annual “BIG Weigh-In” in his first year at Clemson. He had to make key changes in his diet and form new eating habits, and go through the process of losing weight. He accomplished just that, and at Clemson’s Pro Day in March, he checked in at 303 pounds.
Prior to Clemson’s Pro Day, Page impressed with a strong showing during workouts with defensive linemen at the NFL Combine. He also had the chance to showcase his skills to NFL scouts and a national television audience when he played in the East-West Shrine Bowl — the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation — on Jan. 30 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
If there’s one thing Page wanted any given NFL team to know about him, it’s his relentless work ethic.
“I want them to know I’m not going to be outworked,” Page said after Clemson’s Pro Day. “If any vets are on the team, I don’t care. I’m going to outwork anybody that’s in my position group. I’m coming here for competition. I’m not coming here to make friends at first. I’m here to make brothers, and knowing they are here to compete as well.”
He was a part of a Clemson program that won two ACC Championships during his career, including this past year when they advanced to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020.
Gavin Oliver contributed to this story