As Clemson football prepares for the 2025 season, head coach Dabo Swinney faces a series of intriguing positional questions that could define the Tigers’ campaign. Chief among them is the task of replacing star running back Phil Mafah, who leaves a considerable void in the backfield following his graduation and likely entry into the NFL. Mafah, a powerful and consistent runner, was a staple in Clemson’s offense over the past several seasons and carried the load with both toughness and reliability, often shining in critical moments. With his departure, Clemson must retool its offensive identity and shore up several other position groups that are currently seen as the weakest links in an otherwise talented roster.
Mafah’s departure is more than just the loss of production; it’s the loss of experience, leadership, and a unique physical presence. At 6-foot-1 and around 230 pounds, Mafah brought a downhill, punishing style to Clemson’s running game that complemented the offense’s rhythm and offered a safety valve in close games. His ability to wear down defenses in the second half and convert short-yardage plays into first downs or touchdowns gave the Tigers a crucial edge. Replacing that impact won’t be easy.
The most obvious replacement candidate is sophomore Jaylen Lucas, a speedster with exceptional burst and vision. Lucas offers a different style from Mafah — he’s smaller in frame but electric in space, with the kind of acceleration that can stretch defenses horizontally. During the 2024 season, Lucas showed flashes of brilliance in limited touches, averaging over six yards per carry and contributing in the return game. While he doesn’t have the same between-the-tackles power Mafah possessed, Lucas adds a layer of versatility that could open up new schematic possibilities for offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
Another name to watch closely is Jarvis Green, a junior who has patiently developed within the system and now appears ready to handle a larger workload. Green is more of a balanced runner — he can hit the hole with force, catch out of the backfield, and block effectively. What makes Green intriguing is his feel for the game. Though not as naturally explosive as Lucas or as punishing as Mafah, Green is dependable and intelligent. He understands pass protections, adjusts well on the fly, and has quietly earned the trust of the coaching staff over the past two seasons. He could very well emerge as the lead back in a committee approach, especially if Clemson leans on experience early in the season.
Incoming freshman Davion Hood adds another layer of potential to the backfield. A four-star recruit with tremendous upside, Hood enters the program as one of the top running backs in the 2025 class. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he combines strength with agility and has a track record of breaking long runs at the high school level. While expecting an immediate breakout from a true freshman is ambitious, Hood has the physical tools and work ethic to compete for playing time. His performance in summer workouts and fall camp will be closely monitored.
Swinney’s track record with running backs is strong, but the challenge now lies in identifying not just who can carry the ball, but who can handle the many responsibilities Mafah took on — blitz pickup, red-zone efficiency, and veteran leadership in tight games. Replacing those intangibles will require more than just stats; it will require maturity and resilience from whoever steps into the starting role.
Beyond the running back position, Clemson enters the 2025 season with several position groups that demand scrutiny. Chief among these is the offensive line — a unit that has consistently drawn mixed reviews in recent years. While the 2024 season saw some improvement in cohesion and technique, there remains a lack of dominant, game-changing talent up front. The interior line, in particular, has been a point of concern. Protection breakdowns and an inability to establish consistent push in short-yardage situations have plagued the Tigers during key stretches.
Clemson will need young linemen like Zach Owens and Ian Reed to take significant developmental leaps. Both have shown potential but have yet to put together full seasons of reliable play. The Tigers also welcome several high-upside recruits, but depending on true freshmen to solidify a struggling line is rarely a sustainable solution. Swinney and offensive line coach Thomas Austin must prioritize technical discipline, physical conditioning, and chemistry this offseason if Clemson hopes to make serious playoff noise.
The wide receiver room is another area that, while rich in talent, has lacked consistent production. Injuries, drops, and a lack of explosiveness have contributed to Clemson’s recent offensive struggles. The program has not had a true elite WR1 since Justyn Ross’s early days, and while players like Antonio Williams and Adam Randall have flashed ability, the group as a whole hasn’t lived up to the program’s historical standards set by DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, Tee Higgins, or Mike Williams. This unit will need to evolve, especially with a young quarterback expected to take over full-time duties in 2025.
Freshman phenom Zyion Brown could be a difference-maker. The 6-foot-2 wideout from Georgia has a rare combination of speed, route-running precision, and physicality. His performance in early spring practices turned heads, and if he continues to develop, Brown could quickly rise up the depth chart. Pairing him with a healthy and motivated Antonio Williams could finally give Clemson the kind of vertical threat that stretches defenses and forces safeties to play deep.
Defensively, Clemson remains solid but has its own areas to monitor, especially in the linebacker corps. With Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter having likely moved on to the NFL, the Tigers must replace both production and leadership in the heart of the defense. Khalil Barnes and Wade Woodaz are strong candidates to step into those roles, but depth and communication will be critical. Swinney’s defenses have always relied on instinctive, fast linebackers who can diagnose plays quickly and cover sideline to sideline. If the replacements aren’t up to the standard, the entire defensive dynamic could suffer.
In the secondary, the Tigers boast one of the better cornerback duos in the ACC, but safety remains a developing area. The graduation of experienced starters has left a vacuum that must be filled by younger players. Sherrod Covil Jr. has shown flashes but must take on more responsibility, both as a playmaker and communicator. The secondary’s performance will also depend on the success of Clemson’s pass rush — an area that, while often strong under Swinney, enters 2025 with questions about consistency off the edge.
Altogether, Dabo Swinney faces a season of transition. With Phil Mafah gone, the running back position is the most immediate and visible hole, but it’s part of a broader challenge: rebuilding critical position groups with emerging talent and reestablishing offensive identity and defensive consistency. The 2025 season won’t just be about replacing names — it will be about rediscovering balance and executing with confidence across the board.
Mafah’s exit marks the end of an era for Clemson’s backfield, but it also opens the door for innovation. Whether it’s through the speed and shiftiness of Jaylen Lucas, the all-around dependability of Jarvis Green, or the raw potential of Davion Hood, Clemson’s backfield will look different — perhaps more versatile, possibly more dynamic — but undeniably younger and in need of cohesion.
Swinney has always thrived when backed into a corner. His best teams have often emerged after moments of adversity and transition. With the departure of key veterans and questions looming in multiple position groups, 2025 offers another such test. Success will depend not just on how well new starters perform but on how quickly they buy into the culture, adapt to pressure, and find chemistry with each other. The challenge is great, but so is the opportunity — and with a head coach as committed and experienced as Dabo Swinney, writing off Clemson would be premature.
