Overview
- Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 262 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, with Trebor Pena posting 100 receiving yards and a 73-yard score to earn game MVP, and Quinton Martin Jr. rushing for 101 yards.
- Both teams were severely short-handed, with Yahoo Sports reporting Penn State missing about 34 players and Clemson about 29 because of injuries, opt-outs and transfer-portal moves.
- Interim coach Terry Smith called the result “the greatest moment in my life” in an emotional interview and will remain on Campbell’s staff on a new four-year deal, per USA TODAY.
- Clemson’s loss ended a 14-year run of postseason wins as the Tigers finished 7–6, and Dabo Swinney criticized his defense’s lapses and said he will evaluate his staff.
- Newsweek reported that wide receiver Ben Whitver was released from his James Madison commitment to sign with Penn State, reflecting early roster activity heading into the offseason.