The 2024 team award winners are announced by Clemson football.

As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, the Clemson Tigers have taken the opportunity to reflect on a year filled with highs and lows, growth, and development. While not every goal was achieved, the team has made significant strides and provided moments of brilliance that have defined the season. One of the best ways to honor the players and coaches who played pivotal roles in the Tigers’ journey is through the announcement of the team’s annual award winners.

Each year, Clemson football recognizes outstanding performances in various categories, celebrating excellence on the field, leadership, and commitment to the program. These awards not only highlight individual achievements but also serve as a testament to the collective spirit and hard work that defines Clemson football.

In this article, we will break down the 2024 Clemson football team award winners, including the most prestigious honors, the key performances that earned these accolades, and the players and coaches who shaped the team’s success. By examining the significance of each award and the individuals who received them, we can better understand the contributions that helped Clemson navigate the challenges of the season.

The Prestigious Awards: Recognizing Leadership and Excellence

Clemson football’s team awards are highly coveted, and winning one signifies a player’s exceptional contributions to the team’s success. While the 2024 season may not have ended in the way the Tigers hoped, these awards serve as a recognition of the dedication and effort displayed throughout the year. Here are the top awards that were announced by the program:

1. MVP (Most Valuable Player) – Cade Klubnik, Quarterback

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is arguably the most prestigious honor given to a player each season. It recognizes the individual whose performance had the greatest impact on the team’s success over the course of the year. In 2024, that player was sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik. Klubnik, who had shown flashes of brilliance during his freshman year, emerged as a true leader of the Clemson offense in 2024, elevating his play and showing maturity beyond his years.

Klubnik finished the season with impressive statistics, throwing for over 3,500 yards, 30 touchdowns, and leading the team to several key victories. His ability to stay poised in the pocket, make smart decisions, and deliver accurate throws on crucial third downs earned him widespread praise. Klubnik’s leadership extended beyond the field, as he consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and helped guide younger players on the roster. He was the cornerstone of Clemson’s offense and a key reason the Tigers remained competitive throughout the season.

Klubnik’s MVP award highlights his growth as a quarterback and his pivotal role in keeping the offense clicking throughout a challenging season. His leadership on and off the field will be vital as Clemson looks to build on its success and continue to contend for national championships in the future.

2. Offensive Player of the Year – Will Shipley, Running Back

The Offensive Player of the Year award goes to the player who has made the most significant impact on the offense. In 2024, that player was none other than senior running back Will Shipley. Shipley continued to solidify his place as one of the top running backs in college football, demonstrating an all-around skill set that made him a key piece of the Clemson offense.

Shipley ran for over 1,400 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in 2024, consistently being the focal point of Clemson’s rushing attack. His vision, speed, and ability to break tackles were on full display throughout the season, as he frequently powered through defenders and broke off long runs. Shipley’s ability to serve as both a traditional running back and a receiving threat out of the backfield made him a dual threat, forcing opposing defenses to account for him at all times.

Moreover, Shipley’s leadership and experience helped guide a relatively young Clemson offense, providing stability in times of adversity. His ability to come through in clutch situations, especially in games that were tight or required a late-game push, earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year. Shipley’s stellar 2024 season was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and consistency over the years, and he leaves behind a legacy as one of Clemson’s most dynamic offensive weapons.

3. Defensive Player of the Year – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Linebacker

The Defensive Player of the Year award is reserved for the player who made the biggest impact on the defensive side of the ball. In 2024, the honor went to junior linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who solidified his place as one of the best linebackers in the country with an outstanding season. Trotter was a force for the Tigers, consistently making plays all over the field and serving as the anchor of the Clemson defense.

Trotter finished the season with 115 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. His ability to read plays, adjust to offensive schemes, and deliver timely stops in critical moments was invaluable to Clemson’s defensive efforts. Trotter also excelled in pass coverage, proving to be a versatile player who could defend the run and the pass with equal proficiency.

In addition to his impressive statistical contributions, Trotter’s leadership and football IQ were instrumental in the Tigers’ ability to shut down opposing offenses. As a captain, he set the tone for the entire defense and was a vocal leader both on and off the field. Trotter’s elite play and leadership throughout the 2024 season earned him the title of Defensive Player of the Year and helped cement his place as one of the top linebackers in college football.

4. Special Teams Player of the Year – BT Potter, Kicker

The Special Teams Player of the Year award recognizes a player’s contribution to the often-overlooked but crucial special teams phase of the game. In 2024, Clemson’s standout kicker, BT Potter, took home the award. Potter was a consistent and reliable presence for the Tigers throughout the season, making key field goals and extra points in tight games. He finished the season with a remarkable 90% field goal accuracy, making clutch kicks in critical moments, including several game-winning attempts.

Potter’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver when the team needed him most was invaluable to Clemson’s overall success. His leg strength also allowed him to contribute on kickoffs, consistently giving opposing teams long fields to work with. In a season filled with ups and downs, Potter’s consistency on special teams provided the Tigers with stability in an often unpredictable phase of the game. His performance earned him the Special Teams Player of the Year award, a fitting recognition for a player who had such a significant impact on the team’s success.

5. Breakout Player of the Year – Antonio Williams, Wide Receiver

The Breakout Player of the Year award is given to a player who emerged and exceeded expectations during the season. In 2024, this honor went to sophomore wide receiver Antonio Williams. Williams’ rise to prominence was one of the highlights of Clemson’s season. After a strong freshman campaign, Williams took his game to the next level, quickly becoming a top target in Clemson’s passing attack.

Williams finished the season with over 1,200 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, demonstrating excellent route running, great hands, and a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. His ability to create separation and make contested catches earned him the trust of his quarterback, Cade Klubnik, and made him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the ACC. Williams’ development as a true No. 1 receiver was a key factor in Clemson’s offensive success, and he is poised for an even bigger role in the future.

6. Scout Team Player of the Year – Jaren Kanak, Linebacker

The Scout Team Player of the Year award recognizes a player who consistently pushed the starting unit during practice and helped prepare the team for game day. This year, the honor went to freshman linebacker Jaren Kanak, who impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic, football intelligence, and relentless energy on the scout team.

Kanak’s performances in practice were often described as some of the most physical and intense, providing the starting defense with a significant challenge week in and week out. His ability to learn quickly and execute the defensive schemes made him a valuable asset to the team, even though he didn’t see significant playing time during the regular season. Kanak’s commitment to the program and his contributions to the team’s success were critical, and his dedication was rewarded with the Scout Team Player of the Year award.

Honoring Team Leadership: The Captains

In addition to the individual awards, Clemson also announced its team captains for the 2024 season. Captains are chosen based on their leadership qualities, commitment to the program, and ability to inspire their teammates. The 2024 team captains included:

• Cade Klubnik – Quarterback
• Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – Linebacker
• Will Shipley – Running Back
• BT Potter – Kicker

These players were chosen not only for their on-field performances but also for their leadership and ability to guide the team through challenges. They were the emotional and strategic leaders of the Tigers throughout the season, and their contributions went far beyond the stat sheet.