Key Departures: Clemson’s Biggest Losses Before 2026

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Joe Cockerill | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 10:33 AM ET

With Clemson’s 2025 season coming to a close, many players have declared for the NFL Draft. Let’s take a deep dive into the significance of these losses and how Clemson can bounce back going into 2026.

CB Avieon Terrell

Terrell was a very important piece of what has been a very strong Clemson (7-6, 4-4 ACC) defense for the past few years. The shifty defensive back from Atlanta has excelled in the past two seasons with 21 deflected passes and 11 turnovers. He is expected to go in the first or second round of the NFL Draft, a tough loss for a struggling Tigers team. Players like the young sophomore CB Branden Strozier and four-star recruit safety Kentavion Anderson are expected to fill the gap in Clemson’s secondary heading into 2026.

DT Peter Woods

Woods is a versatile tackle who is able to be placed all around the defensive line, but typically stays on the inside. While the stats don’t seem impressive with only five sacks in the past two seasons, scouts recognize Woods’ amazing ability to shut down the run and impact offensive lines to apply pressure to opposing offenses.

With Woods expected to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, head coach Dabo Swinney has plans for his replacement. Amare Adams, a 2025 five-star recruit, has been overlooked this season due Clemson’s strong defensive line, but with a full year of development he plans to make a name for himself and fill in a tough gap following Woods.

DE TJ Parker

Parker is an explosive edge rusher that has a constant impact on opposing offenses with his pressure. With 21.5 sacks in his three years at Clemson, Parker is expected to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Parker’s impressive strength makes him one of the most impactful players in college football and a hard-to-replace piece of this defense.

With rising seniors Will Heldt and Jahiem Lawson, Clemson should be ready to go for the upcoming season, but Parker was still a very valuable piece of this defense.

WR Antonio Williams

Williams played the role of WR1 for the Tigers for the majority of his career but has been held back by injuries throughout the past four years. With him having more than 2,500 scrimmage yards and 23 total touchdowns through his college career, he is projected to be drafted around the third round.

His quickness makes him a great route runner, and he works very well against man coverage. Some guys that could help replace his role are top recruits Naeem Burroughs and Connor Salmin. Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore also have very promising futures as Tigers.

Final Thoughts

While Clemson has some key losses, they also have a deep roster to help fill in these gaps. Going into 2026, Swinney plans to utilize young players to help try to build up a struggling Clemson team.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: