Clemson alums will watch the Tigers in the 2025 season in the UFL.
As the 2025 season of the United Football League (UFL) approaches, there is a growing excitement surrounding the influx of talent that continues to make its way into the league. The UFL has become a competitive platform for players looking to showcase their skills and earn another chance to compete at the highest levels of professional football. Among the many standouts who have made the transition to the UFL, Clemson alumni are always among the most notable. The Clemson Tigers have produced countless NFL-caliber players over the years, and many of these individuals have found success in the UFL, helping to raise the profile of the league as a whole.
As we look ahead to the 2025 UFL season, several former Clemson Tigers are expected to make a significant impact on the field. From talented quarterbacks to defensive stalwarts, these players have all the potential to be key contributors for their respective teams. For Clemson fans, seeing these players thrive on the UFL stage is both a source of pride and a reminder of the program’s ability to produce high-caliber talent that can excel at all levels of football. Below, we will take a closer look at some of the Clemson alumni who will be in the spotlight in the UFL during the 2025 season.
One of the most exciting players to watch in the 2025 UFL season is Trevor Lawrence, the former Clemson quarterback who made waves in college football and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Lawrence has already made a name for himself in the NFL, he is one of the most high-profile players in UFL history. Lawrence’s time at Clemson, where he led the Tigers to a national championship and earned numerous accolades, has already cemented his place as one of the greats of college football. His transition to the NFL has been highly anticipated, and despite being relatively new to the professional ranks, Lawrence has quickly shown his potential as a starting quarterback.
However, as is often the case in the world of professional football, injuries, coaching changes, or team dynamics can lead to unexpected outcomes. Should Lawrence find himself back in the UFL at any point, fans would certainly watch with great interest as he continues to showcase his arm strength, leadership, and football IQ. If Trevor Lawrence were to rejoin the UFL in 2025, expect him to have an immediate impact, continuing to draw the attention of NFL scouts who have followed his journey from Clemson to the pros.
In the world of defense, Isaiah Simmons has become one of the most exciting players to come out of Clemson in recent years. As a versatile linebacker who has been known for his ability to play multiple positions on the field, Simmons was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, if Simmons finds his way back to the UFL in 2025, fans will be eager to see him continue to dominate at the linebacker position. Simmons’ combination of speed, size, and intelligence makes him a unique player who is capable of changing the course of a game with a single play.
Simmons was an instrumental part of Clemson’s defense during his time in college, and his ability to cover tight ends, rush the passer, and stop the run made him one of the most feared defenders in the nation. If he returns to the UFL, his impact will likely be immediate, as his versatility and athleticism are unmatched. Teams that rely on defense-heavy game plans will look to Simmons to help them set the tone on the field.
Another former Tiger who could make waves in the 2025 UFL season is Travis Etienne, a running back whose speed and vision set him apart during his time at Clemson. Etienne’s college career saw him break multiple records, and he became one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football. Although he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft, Etienne’s UFL potential remains high. If he makes his way back to the UFL in 2025, expect his explosive speed and quick-cutting ability to be a major asset for whichever team secures his services.
Etienne’s success at Clemson was a direct result of his ability to impact the game both as a ball carrier and as a pass catcher out of the backfield. His vision, balance, and ability to make defenders miss in open space made him one of the most dangerous running backs in college football. If he returns to the UFL, he could quickly become a focal point for any offense, providing a dynamic weapon that could carry a team deep into the playoffs. His ability to break off big runs and catch passes out of the backfield will be a huge advantage to whichever UFL team adds him to their roster.
On the offensive line, former Clemson tackle Jackson Carman is expected to play a critical role for his UFL team in 2025. Carman was an integral part of Clemson’s offensive line during his time in college, and his physicality and ability to protect the quarterback were key to the Tigers’ success in the trenches. Although he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft, Carman’s potential to shine in the UFL remains strong. If he makes his way back to the UFL, his experience at the professional level will give him a solid foundation, and his ability to open up running lanes and protect the quarterback will make him a vital asset for his team.
Carman’s size, strength, and technical prowess make him a dominant force in the trenches. In the UFL, where strong offensive line play can determine the success of a team, Carman’s experience and skill set will be invaluable. Whether he lines up as a tackle or guard, Carman will provide an immediate boost to any offensive line that needs a seasoned, powerful player to help anchor the front five.
Another name to keep an eye on is Justyn Ross, a wide receiver who was a standout for Clemson in 2020. Ross had a promising start to his college career, showcasing impressive route-running skills and the ability to make spectacular catches. His career at Clemson was marked by consistent production, and he quickly became one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets. Ross’ unique blend of size, speed, and ball skills gave him an edge over many defenders, and his potential to shine in the UFL is undeniable.
Though injuries slowed his progress in college and led to him going undrafted, Ross still has a chance to prove himself at the professional level, and the UFL provides an excellent platform for him to do so. If he finds his way to a UFL roster in 2025, his physical gifts and competitive drive could make him a breakout star. Whether as a deep threat or a reliable possession receiver, Ross’ skill set could prove to be a valuable asset for any UFL team.
Finally, one of the most promising players to watch in the UFL this season is Brett Venables, a coach who made his name as a defensive coordinator at Clemson before taking a head coaching job at Oklahoma. Venables’ success as a defensive mind has led many to believe he can take that expertise to the UFL, and his ability to work with young talent and get the most out of his players will be critical for his success.
For Clemson alumni making their mark in the UFL, the road is often challenging but filled with opportunity. Whether returning from NFL stints or coming out of college, these players have the potential to become stars in the UFL and could eventually earn another chance in the NFL. For Clemson fans, seeing their former players dominate in the UFL is a reminder of the program’s lasting impact on the world of professional football. With a strong pipeline of talent, Clemson’s legacy will continue to thrive in the UFL, and 2025 promises to be another exciting year for Tigers alumni.