RB Will Shipley pondering a future without Clemson: 'It’s something that is inevitable'

It's not the season the Clemson Tigers wanted to have. They expected to be a College Football Playoff contender and instead find themselves at 6-4 heading down the home stretch.

The upset win over No. 15 Notre Dame helped turn some of the vibes around, but it's not all that surprising to hear a player like running back Will Shipley considering what his future looks like without the Tigers.

He was asked about his future in a recent news conference (h/t On3), and it doesn't sound like the junior running back is 100 percent committed to coming back to Clemson.

“Yeah, great question. I think I’ve been trying to stay in the present as much as I can, especially with how the season has gone and what coach [Dabo] Swinney preaches to us every day, just being in the now. But I’ve definitely thought a little bit about it. It’s something that is inevitable, just the opportunities that are there after this season," Shipley said.

One opportunity ahead of Shipley could be the NFL Draft. He is considered a top-ten running back heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

With only three years of playing time under his belt, Shipley could also choose to hit the transfer portal in search of another opportunity or perhaps a loaded NIL deal. There are plenty of contending programs across the country that would be happy to court him.

“Haven’t put enough thought into it. So I wouldn’t be able to give you a great answer right now, but definitely something that’s going to be weighing on me," he continued." But my team deserves my full attention and my full preparation to go out here and win these last two regular-season games and then see what comes after that.”

In three seasons at Clemson, Shipley has rushed for 2,513 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding 508 receiving yards and two scores through the air.

He still has games against No. 24 North Carolina, South Carolina and then an eventual bowl matchup to add to those numbers.