List of Clemson University alumni

This is a list of notable alumni that have graduated from Clemson University.

Arts, entertainment, and media

Harry Ashmore, journalist, received Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1958

Lee Brice, country music singer

Aaron Buerge, The Bachelor, Season 2

Daja Dial, Miss South Carolina 2015

James Dickey, writer and poet with American South influences (attended for one year, but did not graduate from Clemson)

Meredith Hayden, chef, social media influencer, and cookbook author (BS in Marketing)

Jonathan Hickman, comic book writer and artist

Rob Huebel, actor/comedian, Human Giant

Fiona Hutchison, One Life to Live actress

Ian, rapper

Matt William Knowles, actor, Asura

Connie LeGrand, former co-host of Speed Channel's Speed News (now The Speed Report)

Chris Luca, winner of Amazing Race 2

Nancy O'Dell, former Miss South Carolina and host of Entertainment Tonight'

Jane Robelot, CBS national news anchor

Ben Robertson, 1923, World War II correspondent, author

Ali Rogers, 2014, former Miss South Carolina, 1st runner-up at Miss America 2013

Mark Tremonti, lead guitarist for Creed, Alter Bridge, and his own band, Tremonti; named Guitarist of the Year three consecutive years by Guitar World, multiple Grammy Awards (did not graduate, attended Clemson his freshman year)

James Michael Tyler, actor, played Gunther on Friends

Shawn Weatherly, Miss Universe, 1980–81

Nora Sakavic, author, wrote the book series All For The Game, set at the fictional Palmetto State University based on Clemson University

Business and industry

Robert H. Brooks, founder and chairman of Naturally Fresh Dressings, Sauces and Dips; president of Atlanta-based Hooters of America, Inc

Aaron Buerge, banker

Charlene Corley, former defense contractor who was convicted in 2007 on two counts of conspiracy

Richard C. Davis, founder of Trademark Properties, appeared in the first season of A&E's Flip This House

James M. Henderson, founder of the Henderson Agency, a leading advertising company

Matt Jordan, former Houston Dynamo general manager and technical director

Mohnish Pabrai, Indian-American businessman, investor, and philanthropist

Mark Richardson, co-owner of the Carolina Panthers; owner of 50 Bojangles locations

Jamey Rootes, president of the Houston Texans and former president of Columbus Crew of the MLS

George H. Ross, executive vice president and senior counsel of the Trump Organization; advisor to Donald Trump on the NBC reality television program The Apprentice

Jaw Shaw-kong, owner of Broadcasting Corporation of China and politician in Taiwan

Paul Steelman, founder of Steelman Partners and architect known for designing casinos and entertainment venues, including the Sands Macao

David A. Wright, chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission and former president of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

Academia

Autar Kaw, professor at University of South Florida, 2012 U.S. Professor of the Year (administered by CASE and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching)

Government and politics

Chrissy Adams, lawyer, the tenth judicial circuit solicitor in South Carolina

David Beasley, governor of South Carolina (1995–1999)

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA launch director

James F. Byrnes, former U.S. secretary of state (1945–1947), former U.S. senator (1931–1941), former associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1941–1942)

West Cox, member of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Jim DeMint, former South Carolina senator and president of Heritage Foundation

Jeff Duncan, U.S. representative for South Carolina's 3rd congressional district

John Edwards, candidate for vice president in 2004 and senator for North Carolina

Ekwee Ethuro, speaker of the Kenyan Senate

Harvey Gantt, former mayor of Charlotte and first African-American graduate of Clemson University

Thomas S. Gettys, US congressman from South Carolina's 5th District

Nikki Haley, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, former governor of South Carolina

Mark Hammond, South Carolina secretary of state

Dick Harpootlian, former SC Democratic Party chair and lawyer for Alex Murdaugh

Jennifer Homendy, chair of National Transportation Safety Board

Jo Jorgensen, Libertarian Party candidate for president in 2020

Kristie A. Kenney, former United States ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, The Philippines, and Ecuador

C. Alan Lawson, justice on Supreme Court of Florida

Earle Morris, Jr., former lt. governor, comptroller general of South Carolina

Bob Peeler, South Carolina lieutenant governor (1995–2003)

Harvey S. Peeler, Jr., Republican member of the South Carolina Senate since 1980

James P. Richards, US congressman from South Carolina's 5th District

Jaw Shaw-kong, former member of the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan, founder of Taiwan's New Party

Strom Thurmond, former governor of South Carolina, former U.S. senator

David Wilkins, former speaker of South Carolina House, former U.S. ambassador to Canada

Military

Rudolf Anderson Jr., major in the United States Air Force, the only combat casualty of the Cuban Missile Crisis when his U-2 spy plane was shot down

Aquilla J. Dyess, United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, Medal of Honor recipient, killed in action in World War II, only American to receive both the Carnegie Medal for civilian heroism and the Medal of Honor

Gary Evans Foster, United States Army (South Carolina National Guard) sergeant, Medal of Honor recipient in World War I

Randolph W. House, US Army lieutenant general

John W. Raymond, United States Air Force general; first chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force

Daniel Augustus Joseph Sullivan, United States Navy ensign, Medal of Honor recipient in World War I

Sports

Baseball

Jeff Baker, Texas Rangers utility player

Kris Benson, former MLB pitcher, 1996 Dick Howser Trophy winner

Ty Cline, former MLB outfielder and first baseman with several teams

Tyler Colvin, San Francisco Giants outfielder

Steven Duggar (born 1993), outfielder for the San Francisco Giants

Khalil Greene, former MLB infielder with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals, 2002 Golden Spikes Award winner

Steven Jackson, Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher

Jimmy Key, former MLB pitcher with Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles, four-time All-Star, two-time World Series Champion

Brian Kowitz, former MLB outfielder with the Atlanta Braves

Tyler Krieger, second baseman in the Cleveland Indians organization

Matthew LeCroy, former MLB infielder

Billy McMillon, former MLB outfielder with the Florida Marlins (1996–1997), Philadelphia Phillies (1997), Detroit Tigers (2000–2001) and Oakland Athletics (2001, 2003–2004); current manager of the Salem Red Sox of the Class A Carolina League, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox; member of Clemson Hall of Fame, 2012

Brad Miller, Philadelphia Phillies infielder

Kyle Parker, outfielder, Colorado Rockies; also played football at Clemson

Ben Paulsen, Utility player, Colorado Rockies; Currently on Clemson Baseball Staff

Danny Sheaffer, former MLB catcher/third baseman

Bill Spiers, former MLB infielder with the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, and Houston Astros

Tim Teufel, former MLB second baseman, 1986 World Series Champion, current third base coach with the New York Mets

Spencer Strider, star pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and MLB All-Star in 2023; drafted in the 4th round in 2020 MLB draft

Basketball

Jaron Blossomgame, NBA player for the San Antonio Spurs, basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League

Trevor Booker, current NBA forward for the Brooklyn Nets, drafted 23rd overall in the 2010 NBA draft

Greg Buckner, former NBA guard

Elden Campbell, former NBA forward/center, drafted 27th overall in the 1990 NBA draft

Dale Davis, former NBA forward/center, All-Star (2000), drafted 13th overall in the 1991 NBA draft

Horace Grant, former NBA forward, All-Star (1994), four-time NBA Champion, ACC Player of the Year (1987), drafted 10th overall in the 1987 NBA draft

Cliff Hammonds, current guard for s.Oliver Würzburg

Randolph Mahaffey, former NBA guard, All-Star (1968)

K.J. McDaniels, current NBA forward for the Houston Rockets, first team All-ACC and ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2014), drafted 32nd overall in the 2014 NBA draft

Larry Nance, former NBA forward, three-time NBA All-Star (1985, 1989, 1993), first winner of NBA "slam dunk" competition (1984), NBA All-Defense First Team (1989), drafted 20th overall in the 1981 NBA draft

Wayne "Tree" Rollins, former NBA player and executive, NBA All-Defense First Team (1984), drafted 14th overall in the 1977 NBA draft

Will Solomon (born 1978), basketball player

Elijah Thomas (born 1996), basketball player for Bnei Herzliya in the Israeli Basketball Premier League

Itoro Umoh-Coleman, former WNBA player

Chris Whitney, former NBA guard

Sharone Wright, former NBA forward/center, drafted sixth overall in the 1994 NBA draft

Football

Players in the 2014 National Football League season; years played at Clemson are in parentheses:

Dwayne Allen (2009–2011), tight end for the Indianapolis Colts

Da'Quan Bowers (2008–2010), defensive end

Andre Branch (2008–2011), defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Bashaud Breeland (2011–2013), cornerback for the Washington Redskins

Jaron Brown (2009–2012), wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals

Martavis Bryant (2011–2013), wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Chandler Catanzaro (2010–2013), kicker for the Arizona Cardinals

Kavell Conner (2006–2009), linebacker for the San Diego Chargers

Andre Ellington (2009–2012), running back for the Arizona Cardinals

Dalton Freeman (2009–2012), center for the New York Jets

Marcus Gilchrist (2007–2010), defensive back for the Oakland Raiders

Malliciah Goodman (2009–2012), defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons

Chris Hairston (2007–2010), offensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers

DeAndre Hopkins (2010–2012), wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals

Adam Humphries (2011–2015), wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jarvis Jenkins (2007–2010), defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears

Trevor Lawrence (2018–2020), quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Byron Maxwell (2007–2010), cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles

Antoine McClain (2009–2012), offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals

Jonathan Meeks (2009–2012), safety for the Buffalo Bills

Michael Palmer (2006–2009), tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Artavis Scott, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers

Coty Sensabaugh (2008–2011), cornerback for the Tennessee Titans

Tyler Shatley (2010–2013), offensive guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars

C. J. Spiller (2006–2009), running back for the New Orleans Saints, unanimous first-team All-American (2009), ACC Player of the Year (2009), drafted ninth overall in the 2010 NFL draft, Pro Bowl (2012)

Brandon Thomas (2010–2013), offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers

Brandon Thompson (2008–2011), defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals

Sammy Watkins (2011–2013), wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, drafted fourth overall in the 2014 NFL draft

Deshaun Watson (2014–2016), quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, drafted 12th overall in the 2017 NFL draft

Charlie Whitehurst (2002–2005), quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, previously with the San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks

Mike Williams, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, drafted 7th in the 2017 NFL draft

Former players of note:

Gaines Adams, former NFL defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears, drafted fourth overall in the 2007 NFL draft

Keith Adams, former NFL linebacker, two-time NCAA first-team All-American (1999, 2000)

Terry Allen, former NFL running back, #20 All-time leading rusher in NFL history

Obed Ariri, former NFL placekicker, NCAA first-team All-American (1980)

Thomas Austin

Jeff Bostic, former Washington Redskins center, only player in Clemson history to be a three-time Super Bowl Champion

Tajh Boyd, quarterback, 2012 ACC Player of the Year, two-time first-team All-ACC (2011, 2012), school records for passing yards (11,904) and passing touchdowns (107)

Brentson Buckner, former NFL defensive tackle

Jim Bundren, former NFL player

Jerry Butler, former Buffalo Bills wide receiver, currently Director of Player Development for the Cleveland Browns

Dwight Clark, former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, two-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl Champion

Fred Cone, former NFL fullback and kicker for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys

Airese Currie, former Chicago Bears wide receiver

Woodrow Dantzler, former NFL running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons, played quarterback at Clemson

James Davis, former running back for the Cleveland Browns

Jeff Davis, former NFL Linebacker, NCAA first-team All-American (1981)

Brian Dawkins, former NFL defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Denver Broncos, nine-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, Pro Football Hall of Famer

Mike Dukes, former AFL linebacker, twoAll-Star (1960), two-time AFL Champion (1960–61)

Antuan Edwards, former NFL cornerback/safety

John Edwards, played for one year before transferring to NC State; former Democratic senator from North Carolina; 2004 vice presidential nominee

Terrence Flagler, former NFL running back, first team All-American (1986)

Kenny Flowers, former NFL running back

Jacoby Ford, former NFL wide receiver with the Oakland Raiders

Steve Fuller, former NFL quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Chicago Bears

Rod Gardner, former NFL wide receiver

Chris Gardocki, former NFL punter, Pro Bowler and All-Pro (1996)

Dale Hatcher, former NFL punter, Pro Bowler and All-Pro (1985)

Larry Hefner, former Green Bay Packers linebacker

Leroy Hill, former Seattle Seahawks linebacker

Tye Hill, former NFL cornerback, NCAA first-team All-American (2005)

Bill Hudson, former AFL defensive tackle, All-Star (1961)

Donald Igwebuike, former NFL placekicker

Steven Jackson, former Carolina Panthers fullback

Bobby Johnson, former Vanderbilt University head football coach

John Johnson, NFL player

Terry Kinard, former NFL defensive back, Pro Bowler (1988), two-time NCAA first-team All-American

Levon Kirkland, former NFL linebacker, two-time Pro Bowler (1996–97), 1991 NCAA first-team All-American

John Leake, former NFL linebacker

Kevin Mack, former Cleveland Browns running back, two-time Pro Bowler (1985, 1987)

Ray Mathews, former NFL wide receiver, two-time Pro Bowler

Ed McDaniel, former NFL linebacker, Pro Bowler (1998), 1991 NCAA first-team All-American

Banks McFadden, first same-season two-sport All-American in 1939 (football, basketball); 1939 Nation's Most Versatile Athlete, drafted 4th overall in the 1940 NFL draft by the Brooklyn Dodgers; 1940 NFL yards per carry leader; Clemson Ring-of-Honor; Voted Clemson's All-Time Greatest Athlete

Chester McGlockton, former NFL defensive lineman, four-time Pro Bowler (1994–97)

Phillip Merling, former NFL defensive end

Justin Miller, former NFL cornerback, Pro Bowler (2006), All-Pro (2006)

Harold Olson, former AFL tackle, All-Star (1961), All-Pro (1962)

Michael Dean Perry, former NFL defensive lineman, six-time Pro Bowler (1989–91, 93–94, 96), AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1989), NCAA first-team All-American (1987)

William "Refrigerator" Perry, former NFL defensive lineman, Super Bowl XX Champion, three-time NCAA All-American (1982–1984)

Trevor Pryce, former NFL defensive lineman, two-time Super Bowl Champion, three-time All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler

Johnny Rembert, former NFL linebacker, two-time Pro Bowler (1989, 1990)

Ashley Sheppard, former NFL linebacker

Anthony Simmons, football player

Wayne Simmons, former NFL Linebacker, Super Bowl XXXI Champion

Jim Speros, former linebacker, Super Bowl-winning assistant coach; youngest assistant coach in NFL history

Chansi Stuckey, former wide receiver for the New York Jets

Jim Stuckey, former NFL defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, two-time Super Bowl Champion

David Treadwell, former NFL placekicker, NCAA first-team All-American (1987)

Perry Tuttle, former NFL wider receiver, NCAA first-team All-American (1981)

Charlie Waters, former Dallas Cowboys safety, two-time All-Pro (1977–78), three-time Pro Bowler (1976–78)

Joel Wells, former NFL halfback

Donnell Woolford, former NFL defensive back, Pro Bowler 1993, two-time NCAA first-team All-American (1987, 1988)

Golf

Jonathan Byrd, PGA Tour golfer, five-time Tour winner

Lucas Glover, PGA Tour golfer, 2009 U.S. Open champion, six-time Tour winner

Matt Hendrix, PGA Tour golfer

Kevin Johnson, PGA Tour golfer, six-time Nationwide Tour winner

Ben Martin, PGA Tour golfer, U.S. Amateur runner-up in 2009

Chris Patton, 1989 U.S. Amateur champion

Clarence Rose, former PGA Tour golfer, winner of 1996 Sprint International

Sam Saunders, PGA Tour golfer

Kyle Stanley, PGA Tour golfer, winner of 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open

D. J. Trahan, PGA Tour golfer, winner of 2006 Southern Farm Bureau Classic and 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

Charles Warren, PGA Tour golfer, winner of 1997 NCAA Championship

Soccer

Greg Eckhardt, professional soccer player

Stuart Holden, Bolton Wanderers and US National Team soccer player, midfielder

Bruce Murray, All-American and Hermann Award winner on the Clemson Soccer team; won two National Championships; in the Clemson University Hall of Fame

Oguchi Onyewu, A.C. Milan and US National Team soccer player, defender

Dane Richards, N.Y. Red Bulls MLS player

Kailen Sheridan, goalkeeper for Sky Blue FC and Canada women's national soccer team; bronze medalist at Rio 2016

Tennis

Jay Berger, professional tennis player ranked as high as # 7 in the world

Julie Coin, French tennis player

Gigi Fernández, former women's tennis player; won 17 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Olympic gold medals; ranked the World No.