With Jake Briningstool having exhausted his eligibility, Clemson will have a lot of production to replace at tight end next season.
Briningstool will leave Clemson as the all-time leader in receptions (127) by a tight end, breaking the previous mark that was set by Jordan Leggett. He is just the fifth tight end in the history of the program to earn All-ACC honors more than once. Those are big shoes to fill.
However, looking at what is still in the room after the departure of Briningstool, there is a lot to like about what the Tigers have at tight end in 2025.
Despite playing a reserve role, Olsen Patt-Henry logged close to 300 snaps last season, catching nine passes for 121 yards. Three of those nine receptions went for touchdowns. Patt-Henry has also shown a willingness to do the dirty work when it comes to blocking aspect required at the position.
Josh Sapp is also set to return as a redshirt junior, as is Markus Dixon, who will be a redshirt sophomore. Sapp was on the field for 109 snaps in 2024, while Dixon is still a work in progress, having just finished up his second season.
The name to watch might be Christian Bentancur, who redshirted in his first season with the Tigers. Standing 6-foot-4, Bentancur is an extremely long and athletic target. Seeing as he is already up over the 240-pound mark, he's also physically ready.
Bentancur was a consensus Top 125 player coming out of high school. Despite that lofty ranking, he didn't get the same level of publicity as some of the other members of Clemson's 2024 recruiting class. Bentancur hauled in 51 touchdowns in his high school career, evidence of his nose for the end zone.
While Patt-Henry is absolutely the odds on favorite to win the starting job, Bentancur is certainly capable of carving out a role for himself and becoming a key piece of the rotation. The two could give Clemson a formidable one-two punch at the position.
Logan Brooking also joins the program after signing as a member of the 2025 recruiting class. Although, looking at the depth already on the roster, he could be in store for a redshirt season.
The Tigers also already have their 2026 tight end in the fold, securing a commitment from 3-star Tayveon Wilson late last year.
Looking ahead to next season, expectations should be high for this group. Despite the loss of Briningstool. Patt-Henry has already proved that he is ready for a bigger role and if Bentancur takes the obvious next step in his development, that would be one more weapon at Cade Klubnik's disposal.
2025 TE Room Olsen Patt-Henry (R-So) Christian Bentancur (R-Fr) Josh Sapp (R-Jr) Markus Dixon (R-So) Logan Brooking (Fr)
2026 TE Commit 3-star Tayveon Wilson
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!