Seasoned Tigers O-Line Reinforced with Fresh Faces

Are the Tigers on the verge of developing more NFL-ready offensive linemen?

In this article and video series, I’ll be analyzing each position group for the 2025 Clemson Tigers, with an emphasis on new faces who could contribute — whether they’re incoming transfers, players returning from redshirt seasons or position switches, or true freshmen entering the program.

Departures

• Marcus Tate (Senior)

• Trent Howard (Redshirt Junior) — Opted out of his final season to pursue a career in wealth management.

Returning Offensive Linemen

• Walker Parks (Redshirt Senior+)

• Ryan Linthicum (Redshirt Senior)

• Deitrick Pennington (Redshirt Senior)

• Blake Miller (Senior)

• Collin Sadler (Redshirt Junior)

• Tristan Leigh (Redshirt Junior)

• Harris Sewell (Junior)

• Ian Reed (Redshirt Sophomore)

• Elyjah Thurmon (Sophomore)

Coming Off Redshirt

• Watson Young (Redshirt Freshman)

• Mason Wade (Redshirt Freshman)

• Ronan O’Connell (Redshirt Freshman)

New Additions (Freshmen)

• Brayden Jacobs

• Gavin Blanchard

• Easton Ware

• Rowan Byrne

• Tucker Kattus

2025 Offensive Line Outlook

The key to Clemson’s offensive line in 2025 is continuity — they return four of five starters, with only Marcus Tate and depth player Trent Howard departing. The starting lineup will largely remain intact, featuring:

• LT: Tristan Leigh

• C: Ryan Linthicum

• RG: Walker Parks

• RT: Blake Miller

• LG: Likely Harris Sewell

Miller headlines the group, earning first-team All-ACC honors and turning down the NFL due to an NIL deal. Linthicum and Leigh are solid performers, both recognized as Honorable Mentions in the ACC. Parks, though experienced, has struggled recently and will look to rebound from a down year. Sewell, a rising talent, is expected to claim his first starting role, with Collin Sadler pushing for playing time as a key backup.

Clemson has built up legitimate depth. Elyjah Thurmon, who started as a true freshman before injury, shows high potential. Ronan O’Connell, another promising young lineman, could step up if needed.

Among freshmen, Brayden Jacobs stands out as a future starter — a top-rated lineman in Clemson’s 2025 class. NIL and player development might keep him in college longer than similar talents in the past. Other freshmen like Easton Ware and Rowan Byrne bring high ceilings and strong high school résumés, while Gavin Blanchard and Tucker Kattus, though lower-rated, have impressive tape and may be underrated finds.

Ideally, Clemson will be able to redshirt all freshmen except Jacobs. If more are pressed into early duty, it could signal trouble. Still, the mix of seasoned veterans and high-upside young talent gives this offensive line room a promising foundation.

Historically underrepresented in the NFL draft, Clemson’s offensive line unit seems to be trending upward — a change that could be taking shape with this group.