The Clemson Tigers are in the middle of an exciting and eventful offseason, gearing up for what could be a standout season in 2025. After a successful 2024 campaign, which saw them claim the ACC Championship and make an appearance in the College Football Playoff, the Tigers are looking to build on their achievements and maintain their status as one of the top programs in college football.
Clemson’s 2024 season was undeniably strong. They managed to win 10 games, capturing the ACC Title in the process, and they earned a well-deserved spot in the College Football Playoff. While their postseason experience was cut short in the first round, the Tigers still gained a lot of valuable experience and there were plenty of positives to take from the season. The team was competitive throughout, showing both resilience and promise for the future.
As Clemson moves forward, some of the key players from that successful 2024 season are preparing to take the next step in their careers. Many of them are set to transition from college football to the NFL, joining an ever-growing list of Clemson alumni who have made an impact in the professional ranks. Among the most notable former Tigers, one player who had a particularly outstanding year in 2024 was wide receiver Tee Higgins, now playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Higgins, who was a standout for Clemson before entering the NFL, had another impressive season with the Bengals in 2024. Although Cincinnati’s season got off to a rocky start and the team ultimately missed the playoffs, Higgins’ individual performance continued to be a bright spot for the franchise. While the Bengals’ defense struggled, their offense remained explosive, largely due to the efforts of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Chase received much of the spotlight in 2024 after winning the receiving triple crown, which made Higgins’ consistent contributions somewhat overshadowed. However, it was clear that Higgins was once again a crucial part of the Bengals’ offense.
In 12 games during the 2024 season, Higgins racked up 73 receptions, 911 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns. While injuries did affect his season and caused him to miss a few games, when he was healthy, he showed why he’s one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. His absence for parts of the season may have contributed to some of the Bengals’ early struggles, as they attempted to find their rhythm without one of their top playmakers. Despite this, Higgins proved that he is capable of being a major difference-maker on the field when fully healthy.
Looking ahead, Higgins is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. After being franchise tagged by the Bengals in 2024, it seems increasingly unlikely that they will be able to retain him, primarily due to salary cap constraints. With Ja’Marr Chase also needing a new contract in the near future, Cincinnati is facing a tough decision regarding their salary cap and roster management. As a result, it seems probable that Higgins will be playing for a different team in 2025.
While this may mark the end of Higgins’ time with the Bengals, it is also a new opportunity for the young receiver, who will likely be pursued by numerous teams across the league. With his impressive stats and proven ability to perform at a high level, Higgins is poised to earn a significant contract wherever he lands. At just 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career, and his future in the NFL is extremely promising.
Higgins has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league, and his time at Clemson only solidified his reputation as a top-tier talent. During his college career, he was one of the most dominant wide receivers in school history. In just three seasons, he caught 135 passes for 2,448 yards and 28 touchdowns. His ability to make explosive plays and create mismatches with opposing defenses was a key factor in Clemson’s offensive success. Higgins’ performance at the collegiate level helped to set the stage for his future success in the NFL.
Although Higgins has often found himself playing in the shadow of his Bengals teammate Ja’Marr Chase, it’s clear that Higgins has the skill set to be a number one receiver in his own right. Despite playing in the same receiving corps as Chase, who is widely regarded as one of the best young wide receivers in the league, Higgins has consistently proven that he can be a go-to target for any offense. His ability to create separation, win contested catches, and provide a deep threat makes him a highly valuable asset for any team.
As Higgins prepares to enter free agency, it’s clear that he will be one of the top wide receivers available on the market. Teams in need of a reliable and dynamic playmaker at the position will certainly be lining up to make a pitch for him. Given his age, production, and potential, it’s expected that he will command a significant contract, likely making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
Higgins’ success is not only a testament to his own hard work and talent but also to the continued development of Clemson’s football program. The Tigers have consistently produced NFL-caliber talent in recent years, and Higgins is just one example of the success that the program has had in preparing players for the next level. Whether through solid coaching, elite facilities, or a winning culture, Clemson has developed a reputation for turning out some of the best players in college football.
As for the Tigers, they will look to build upon their strong 2024 season and continue their tradition of excellence in 2025. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, Clemson is well-positioned to compete at the highest levels once again. While some of the stars from the 2024 season will be moving on to the NFL, the Tigers will continue to recruit and develop top-tier talent to ensure that their program remains at the forefront of college football.
In conclusion, Tee Higgins’ impressive 2024 season and potential as a top free agent reflect not only his individual success but also the strength of Clemson’s football program. His journey from a standout receiver at Clemson to a rising star in the NFL serves as a reminder of the Tigers’ ability to produce elite talent. As Higgins prepares for the next phase of his career, he is set to join a long line of successful Clemson alumni who have made their mark in the NFL. Whether he stays with the Bengals or finds a new home, Higgins will likely continue to be one of the league’s top wide receivers for years to come. As Clemson looks to the future, it’s clear that the program will continue to produce players who can succeed at the highest levels of football.
