Departures
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Jake Briningstool (NFL Draft)
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Markus Dixon (Transitioning to Defensive End)
Returning Tight Ends
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Olson Patt-Henry (Junior)
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Josh Sapp (Redshirt Junior)
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Banks Pope (Redshirt Senior)
Coming Off Redshirt
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Christian Betancur (Redshirt Freshman)
New Additions
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Logan Brooking (Redshirt Freshman, 247 Sports 3-Star Recruit)
2025 Season Outlook
With Jake Briningstool heading to the NFL, Clemson must account for the 530 receiving yards he contributed as the team’s starting tight end. While this departure could be seen as a major loss, the Tigers are well-positioned to adjust without significant setbacks.
Olson Patt-Henry is expected to step into the starting role despite dealing with injuries this spring. Though he only recorded 121 receiving yards last season, he led all Clemson tight ends in PFF grading due to his strength as a run blocker. While Briningstool’s 6-foot-6 frame allowed him to excel in contested catches and showcase flashes of elite athleticism, his run-blocking ability was often a liability.
With Clemson’s deep and talented wide receiver group, a tight end who can contribute as a reliable blocker may be even more valuable in 2025. Tristan Smith, a 6-foot-5 wideout, can fill the role of a big-bodied red zone target, easing the transition.
Patt-Henry should see an increased workload in the passing game, even if he doesn’t match Briningstool’s 530 yards. His impact as a blocker, however, may be just as crucial for the Tigers’ offensive success.
Josh Sapp also returns as a key piece in the tight end room. While he may not offer the same blocking ability as Patt-Henry or Briningstool’s towering size, he has proven to be a reliable pass-catcher. If he can develop into a more well-rounded blocker, he could establish himself as a strong No. 2 option, giving Clemson a solid and versatile tight end duo.
Banks Pope, a former walk-on, is expected to contribute as a run-blocking specialist at tight end. While he made a strong impression in last year’s spring game, his in-game opportunities were limited, logging just 31 offensive snaps. Now a redshirt senior at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Pope is poised to take on a role similar to Cannon Smith, providing physicality in the trenches for the Tigers.
The tight end group also features two freshmen, including Christian Betancur, who is coming off a redshirt year. Betancur arrived at Clemson as a highly touted four-star recruit from Illinois, ranked No. 100 by Rivals and No. 116 by 247 Sports, with offers from top programs like Ohio State and Penn State. In high school, he was frequently used as a split-out receiver, which, combined with the typical learning curve for Clemson tight ends, made an immediate impact unlikely in his first year.
Now, after a season of development, Betancur has had time to adjust to the system and refine his blocking skills. A prolific high school receiver with 231 catches for 3,867 yards and 51 touchdowns, he possesses the size (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) to be a dual-threat as a blocker and a red-zone target. He could push Sapp and Pope for playing time as the season progresses and will be a player to watch throughout spring practice and the spring game.
The second freshman in the group is Logan Brooking, a mid-year enrollee and three-star recruit from Savannah, GA. Given the depth ahead of him, redshirting seems like the most logical path, regardless of his readiness. While his high school stats were modest (just six career receiving touchdowns), his film showcased strong in-line blocking ability and receiving potential. Early impressions from spring camp indicate the coaching staff is excited about his development.
Projected Tight End Depth Chart:
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Starter: Olsen Patt-Henry
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Second-String: Josh Sapp
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Blocking Specialist: Banks Pope
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Potential Breakout Candidate: Christian Betancur
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Likely Redshirt: Logan Brooking
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