Ben Boulware lettered at Clemson from 2013-2016 and was the starting linebacker during Clemson’s back to back visits to the College Football Playoffs in 2015 and 2016.

Ben Boulware, a name that’s etched in Clemson football history, embodies everything that the program stands for: toughness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A linebacker who played for the Tigers from 2013 to 2016, Boulware’s journey at Clemson was marked by a blend of hard-nosed grit and high-level performance that ultimately helped lead the team to two consecutive College Football Playoffs and a national championship victory in 2016. Boulware’s leadership, both on and off the field, was central to the team’s success, and his legacy as one of the most influential players in Clemson history continues to resonate with fans and future generations of players.
From a freshman walk-on to a key leader on the defense, Boulware’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and an unrelenting passion for the game of football. His time at Clemson, particularly during the 2015 and 2016 seasons when the Tigers made back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff and won the national championship, helped cement his place among the program’s all-time greats. His impact on the field, as well as his contributions to the culture of Clemson football, has made him a beloved figure in the hearts of Tigers fans.
Boulware’s path to Clemson wasn’t the traditional one. Unlike many of his teammates who were highly recruited out of high school, Boulware started his college career as a walk-on. He didn’t come to Clemson with the same hype as other players, but from the moment he set foot on campus, it was clear that Boulware had the drive and determination to make an impact.
A native of Anderson, South Carolina, Boulware grew up a Clemson fan, and his dream was always to play for the Tigers. However, as he made his way through high school, he wasn’t considered one of the top prospects in the state. Despite his talent, Boulware wasn’t receiving the same level of attention from college recruiters as some of his peers. But his love for Clemson and his desire to play for the Tigers were undeniable, and after some internal deliberation, Boulware decided to walk on at Clemson in 2013.
His first season in 2013 was a learning experience, as Boulware spent most of the year adjusting to the demands of college football. He was part of a talented defense but had to work his way into a role. While he didn’t see significant playing time as a freshman, Boulware’s work ethic, toughness, and commitment did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff. His willingness to outwork others, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his natural football instincts helped lay the foundation for what would become a stellar career at Clemson.
By his sophomore season in 2014, Boulware had already begun to make an impression. He wasn’t starting yet, but he played a critical role on special teams and in backup linebacker rotations. He showed that he had the ability to contribute when called upon, and his physicality and leadership skills began to emerge. Clemson’s defense in 2014 was one of the best in the country, and Boulware’s continued development was an encouraging sign for what was to come.
It was during the 2015 season that Ben Boulware truly began to make his mark on the national stage. The Tigers, under head coach Dabo Swinney, had assembled a talented roster, and Boulware was now a starting linebacker. As a defensive leader, Boulware was tasked with making sure that the defense played with intensity, discipline, and focus week in and week out.
Clemson’s 2015 campaign was a historic one, as the Tigers finished the regular season undefeated, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. Boulware, who was now a central part of the defense, helped guide the Tigers to a 14-0 record heading into the playoff.
One of Boulware’s defining traits was his physicality. He was known for being a hitter, someone who could take on blockers and get after the quarterback with ferocity. His ability to read the game and react quickly to offensive schemes made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Whether it was shedding blocks or making crucial tackles in key moments, Boulware was the heart and soul of the Clemson defense during that playoff run.
The semifinal matchup against Oklahoma in the 2015 College Football Playoff was a showcase of Boulware’s leadership. The Tigers dominated the Sooners, winning 37-17 and advancing to the national championship game. Boulware’s performance was key to shutting down Oklahoma’s potent offense. He made timely tackles and helped disrupt the rhythm of the Sooners’ offensive line, allowing the Tigers’ defense to dominate the line of scrimmage.
However, despite Clemson’s success in 2015, the Tigers fell short in the national championship game, losing to Alabama in a heartbreaking 45-40 defeat. Boulware played hard and was part of a defense that fought valiantly, but ultimately, the Tigers couldn’t overcome the powerful Alabama offense. The loss stung, but for Boulware and his teammates, it served as motivation for the following season.
The 2016 season was one of redemption for Clemson, and Ben Boulware was at the center of it all. After the heartbreak of the previous year’s national championship loss, the Tigers entered the 2016 season with a chip on their shoulder. They were focused, hungry, and determined to bring a national title back to Clemson, and Boulware was determined to lead them there.
As a senior, Boulware was the unquestioned leader of the defense. His experience, toughness, and passion for the game were evident in every play he made. He served as the emotional leader on the field, constantly motivating his teammates and making sure they were locked in for each game. His role as a leader wasn’t just limited to what he did on the field. He had become the vocal leader of the defense, someone who held his teammates accountable and kept them focused on the bigger picture.
The 2016 College Football Playoff was an unforgettable ride for Clemson and for Boulware. In the semifinal, the Tigers faced off against Ohio State, and Clemson dominated the Buckeyes, winning 31-0. It was one of the most impressive performances in school history, and Boulware’s defense played a key role in shutting down Ohio State’s high-powered offense. Boulware’s leadership in the locker room and on the field was crucial in keeping the Tigers focused and motivated for the national championship.
The 2016 national championship game, played against Alabama, was a true test of character for both teams. The Crimson Tide were defending champions and had one of the most formidable defenses in college football history. However, Clemson’s defense, led by Boulware, was determined to prove that they were ready for the challenge.
The game was an instant classic. Alabama took a 14-point lead in the second half, but Clemson mounted a remarkable comeback, capped off by a game-winning touchdown from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow with just a second left on the clock. The final score was 35-31 in favor of Clemson, and the Tigers were crowned national champions for the first time since 1981.
Boulware’s performance in the championship game was nothing short of legendary. He was all over the field, making tackles, pressuring Alabama’s offense, and providing leadership when the game was on the line. He played with the kind of intensity and heart that would become his signature, and his contributions to Clemson’s national title were undeniable. As the clock ticked down to zero, Boulware and his teammates celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Ben Boulware’s time at Clemson was marked by incredible individual performances, but it was his leadership and relentless drive that made him a true standout. He was the kind of player who led by example, inspiring those around him with his work ethic and passion for the game. His leadership in the locker room and on the field was pivotal in the Tigers’ rise to prominence in college football, and his impact was felt beyond the X’s and O’s.
Boulware was the quintessential example of what it means to be a Clemson Tiger. He embraced the culture of hard work, accountability, and toughness that Dabo Swinney has instilled in the program. His grit and determination served as a model for future players, and his ability to motivate and elevate his teammates was invaluable to the Tigers’ success.
After leaving Clemson, Boulware’s legacy has lived on. He continues to be celebrated by the Clemson fan base, with fans often reflecting on his leadership, his hard-hitting style, and his dedication to the program. Boulware’s impact on the Clemson football program cannot be overstated, and his contributions to the Tigers’ rise to national prominence will be remembered for generations to come.
Ben Boulware’s journey from a walk-on to a national champion and College Football Playoff participant is one of the most inspiring stories in Clemson football history. His toughness, leadership, and unrelenting drive were key to the Tigers’ success during their back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff in 2015 and 2016. Boulware’s legacy as a player and leader continues to live on at Clemson, and his contributions to the program’s culture and success will never be forgotten. As one of the most beloved figures in Clemson history, Boulware’s impact on the field and off it will be remembered by fans for years to come.