ACC School Loaded With Elite 2026 NFL Draft Talent

With the 2025 NFL Draft complete, eyes have already turned to 2026. And what people are quickly realizing is that Clemson is loaded with top-level NFL talent.

Leading the way are defensive end T.J. Parker (6-foot-3, 265-pounds) and defensive tackle Peter Woods (6-foot-3, 315-pounds), who are both likely top ten picks. Parker proved himself to be a future star during the 2024 season with 57 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and an ACC leading six forced fumbles. While Parker controls the outside, Woods has been equally dominant inside. He has become a playmaker on the interior with 28 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks last season.

Sep 21, 2024; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigersdefensive end T.J. Parker (3) hits North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (16) to force a fumble during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium.

*© Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images*

After Parker and Woods there are four additional players who have first round potential. Leading the way is quarterback Cade Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210-pounds). Entering his third year as a starter, Klubnik has passed for 7,180 yards, 57 touchdowns and only 18 interceptions with the Tigers. He has also showcased his athleticism by rushing for 784 yards and 13 touchdowns during this time. It is likely that he will leave Clemson as a 10,000+ yard passer and 1,000+ rusher. One of Klubnik’s top targets, Antonio Williams (5-foot-11, 190-pounds) also has star potential. After dealing with injuries in 2023, he returned last season with 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, Avieon Terrell (5-foot-11, 180-pounds), younger brother of former Tiger and current Atlanta Falcon A.J. Terrell, emerged last season with 58 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and an extremely impressive 12 pass deflections. Joining Woods on the interior of the defensive line is DeMonte Capehart (6-foot-5, 315-pounds). While not the playmaker that Woods is, Capehart is a monster who has found a different role yet still thrived.

Not to be forgotten, there are other Tigers who are likely to be drafted in the later rounds but have potential for better such as offensive tackle Blake Miller (6-foot-6, 315-pounds), linebacker Wade Woodaz (6-foot-3, 235-pounds) and safety Khalil Barnes (6-foot-0, 195-pounds). One major wildcard is transfer Will Heldt (6-foot-6, 265-pounds), who arrives from Purdue after totaling 56 tackles and five sacks with the Boilermakers in 2024.

Coming off a playoff appearance in 2024, expectations are even higher in 2025 around Death Valley. And with talent like this on the roster, it is easy to see why.