Every Clemson Football Player to Reach the 2025 NFL Playoffs: A Detailed Overview
The Clemson Tigers football program has established itself as one of the premier programs in college football over the last decade. From its rich history to national championships, Clemson has consistently produced top-tier talent that has gone on to compete at the highest level in the NFL. This article aims to highlight every Clemson football player who reached the NFL playoffs by 2025, examining their college careers, professional accomplishments, and contributions to their respective teams.
Historical Context of Clemson Football
Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina, has a storied football program that dates back to 1896. The Tigers have won multiple ACC Championships and national titles, the most notable being their triumphs in 1981, 2016, and 2018 under head coach Dabo Swinney.
The program has produced numerous NFL players, especially in recent years, with standout seasons both under Swinney and for future professional careers. The success of Clemson football is not just measured in wins and losses but in the number of players who transition to the NFL and make their mark in the league.
The Path to the NFL Playoffs
Reaching the NFL playoffs is a significant milestone for any player. The playoffs consist of the top teams from both the AFC and NFC, with the top seeds receiving a bye in the first round. The journey begins with a successful regular season, where individual performances can lead to team success and playoff contention.
As of 2025, various Clemson alumni have made it to the playoffs, showcasing their skills, versatility, and hard work. Below are notable players from Clemson who achieved this significant feat, presented alongside their collegiate careers, professional paths, and playoff experiences.
Notable Clemson Players in the 2025 NFL Playoffs
1. **Deshaun Watson (QB, Houston Texans)**
**College Career:**
Deshaun Watson was a standout quarterback for the Clemson Tigers from 2014 to 2016. He led the team to a national title in 2016 and was known for his poise in the pocket, accuracy, and playmaking ability. Watson finished his college career with 10,168 passing yards and 90 touchdown passes, securing his legacy as one of Clemson’s finest quarterbacks.
**NFL Career:**
Drafted 12th overall by the Houston Texans in 2017, Watson quickly became the team’s starting quarterback. By 2025, he had led the Texans to multiple playoff appearances, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
**Playoff Highlights:**
Throughout his playoff appearances, Watson demonstrated his clutch gene. Notable performances included a 400-yard game against the New England Patriots and leading a dramatic comeback win against the Buffalo Bills in 2019. Watson’s leadership and ability to elevate his game during crucial moments have made him a defining player for the Texans.
2. **Vic Beasley (OLB, Atlanta Falcons)**
**College Career:**
Vic Beasley played for Clemson from 2011 to 2014, where he established himself as one of the country’s most disruptive edge rushers. Beasley recorded 23 sacks and was named a consensus All-American in 2014. His standout performance in the 2014 Orange Bowl helped propel Clemson into the national conversation.
**NFL Career:**
Selected 8th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Beasley quickly made an impact as a pass rusher. He was named the NFL’s sack leader in 2016, helping lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2016 postseason.
**Playoff Highlights:**
Beasley’s contributions in the 2016 playoffs were pivotal as he tallied multiple sacks, applying consistent pressure on quarterbacks. His performance in the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers exemplified his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments.
3. **Mike Williams (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)**
**College Career:**
Mike Williams was an elite receiver at Clemson from 2013 to 2016. In his final season, he recorded 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-American honors. Williams’ performance in the 2016 National Championship showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
**NFL Career:**
Drafted 7th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, Williams quickly became one of Justin Herbert’s primary targets. By the 2025 season, he had established himself as a key player, known for his size, athleticism, and ability to make contested catches.
**Playoff Highlights:**
Williams played a critical role in the Chargers’ playoff runs, making several highlight-reel catches, including a game-winning touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 playoffs. His ability to produce in crucial situations has cemented his reputation as a clutch receiver.
4. **Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars)**
**College Career:**
Trevor Lawrence arrived at Clemson in 2018 and quickly became the starting quarterback. Over three seasons, he led the Tigers to a national title and amassed over 10,000 passing yards and 90 touchdown passes. Lawrence’s combination of size, arm talent, and leadership set him apart as one of college football’s top quarterbacks of all time.
**NFL Career:**
The first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. By 2025, he had led the Jaguars to back-to-back playoff appearances, showcasing his growth as a leader and playmaker.
**Playoff Highlights:**
Lawrence made headlines during the 2024 playoffs, leading the Jaguars through a thrilling matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, where he threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. His poise and performance under pressure demonstrate why he is considered a franchise quarterback.
5. **Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)**
**College Career:**
Travis Etienne was a key part of the Clemson offense from 2017 to 2020, becoming the program’s all-time leading rusher. His speed, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him a dual-threat running back. Etienne’s 2020 season was particularly memorable, where he rushed for over 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns.
**NFL Career:**
Selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Etienne quickly made an impact, earning a reputation for his explosive plays and versatility.
**Playoff Highlights:**
By 2025, Etienne was instrumental in the Jaguars’ offensive scheme, helping lead them to the playoffs. His ability to make plays in the run game and as a receiver has proven invaluable, particularly in a pivotal playoff win against the Buffalo Bills.
6. **AJ Terrell (CB, Atlanta Falcons)**
**College Career:**
AJ Terrell was a standout cornerback for Clemson from 2017 to 2019, known for his coverage skills and ball-hawking ability. Terrell’s performance in the 2019 National Championship Game against Alabama, where he intercepted a pass from Tua Tagovailoa, solidified his status as an elite cornerback.
**NFL Career:**
Drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons, Terrell quickly established himself as one of the top cover corners in the league. His physicality and instincts made him a key player in the Falcons’ secondary.
**Playoff Highlights:**
Terrell contributed significantly in the 2024 playoffs, where he recorded several key interceptions and pass deflections. His ability to shut down opposing receivers was a major factor in the Falcons’ success.
7. **C.J. Spiller (RB, New Orleans Saints)**
**College Career:**
C.J. Spiller was one of the most electrifying players in college football during his time at Clemson from 2006 to 2009. He rushed for over 3,500 yards and became a dangerous weapon in the passing game as well.
**NFL Career:**
Drafted 9th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2010, Spiller had a solid NFL career before transitioning to the New Orleans Saints. He had notable seasons where his speed and agility made him a threat out of the backfield.
**Playoff Highlights:**
By 2025, Spiller was an instrumental part of the Saints’ offense, showcasing his ability to make big plays in the playoffs. His experience and leadership contributed to the team’s deep playoff run.
8. **DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Arizona Cardinals)**
**College Career:**
DeAndre Hopkins was a standout wide receiver at Clemson from 2010 to 2012, where his incredible hands and route-running ability set him apart. Over his college career, he amassed over 3,000 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns.
**NFL Career:**
Hopkins was selected 27th overall by the Houston Texans in the 2013 NFL Draft. He quickly transformed into one of the league’s elite receivers, known for his spectacular catches and ability to perform in crucial moments.
**Playoff Highlights:**
By 2025, Hopkins had made several playoff appearances, including memorable performances such as his game-winning touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 playoffs. His experience and playmaking ability in high-pressure situations have made him a key asset in the postseason.
9. **Kendall Joseph (LB, Pittsburgh Steelers)**
College Career:
Kendall Joseph was a key player for Clemson’s defense from 2016 to 2019, known for his tackling prowess and football IQ. He played a significant role in leading the Tigers to their national title in 2016.
NFL Career:
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joseph contributed to the defense and quickly became a reliable linebacker.
Playoff Highlights:
As a member of the Steelers, Joseph had playoff experiences, contributing with tackles and crucial plays in the postseason, where his tenacity and effort became essential to the defense.
The path from Clemson to the NFL playoffs is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these players. Their contributions on the field have not only shaped their respective teams but have also left an indelible mark on the history of Clemson football. As the NFL continues to evolve, these players will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Clemson athletes. With their exceptional talents and tenacity, they embody the spirit of what it means to be a Tiger—relentless, resilient, and always striving for greatness.
As we look forward to the future, it’s clear that Clemson will continue to produce talent capable of reaching the highest levels of success in the NFL, solidifying its legacy as a powerhouse in college football. The achievements of Clemson players in the NFL playoffs represent not only personal victories but also the culmination of a program that values hard work, talent, and the pursuit of excellence.
