If you thought the 2025 NFL Draft was chaotic, brace yourself for the 2026 class. The first official mock draft from the PFF College Football Show has already dropped, and Clemson fans have plenty of reason to get excited.
The Tigers, who return nearly their entire roster for the 2024 season—including several key players opting to return for their senior years rather than enter the 2025 draft—are already making a huge splash in early 2026 projections.
Dalton Wasserman, PFF Analyst and Contributor, compiled this early list, and it’s filled with familiar Clemson names who could make major moves next spring.
Leading the charge is quarterback Cade Klubnik, projected to go 4th overall to the New York Jets. Klubnik, who could’ve easily entered the 2025 draft, is coming off a stellar season and is poised to be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class. In this mock, he’s the second QB off the board, following Texas' Arch Manning, who’s expected to go 2nd overall to the Cleveland Browns.
But Klubnik isn’t the only Tiger making waves. Defensive lineman T.J. Parker lands at number 7, with the LA Raiders expected to snag the versatile pass rusher. Parker’s raw power and explosive ability make him a top-tier prospect for the next level.
At number 9, defensive tackle Peter Woods finds his way to the Dallas Cowboys. Woods, who has been a wrecking ball in the trenches, would be a perfect fit for Dallas' defensive line, bringing stability and strength to the middle.
Another name to keep an eye on is cornerback Avieon Terrell, who lands at number 13 with the Los Angeles Chargers. Terrell’s elite coverage skills and playmaking ability have propelled him into first-round conversations early in his career.
While it’s still far too early to take these projections as gospel, this list offers a glimpse into how things could shake out for Clemson players after the 2025 season. If these mock projections hold any weight, the Tigers could send multiple players to the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft—a testament to the program’s continued dominance under head coach Dabo Swinney.
Of course, mock drafts this early are speculative at best, but the list provides a clear indication of just how much talent will be on display for Clemson in the years ahead. Whether it's Klubnik’s future as an NFL QB, Parker’s pass-rush potential, or Terrell’s lockdown coverage, Clemson’s pipeline to the pros remains as strong as ever.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, expect these names—and more—to only get stronger as they make their case for the NFL.
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