Tight end Sage Ennis announced Monday that he has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, sharing the news in an Instagram post following a productive final collegiate season at Virginia Cavaliers.
Ennis spent four seasons at Clemson Tigers from 2020–23 before transferring to Virginia to reunite with former Clemson assistant Tony Elliott.
“I would like to specifically thank Coach Elliott for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of this program,” Ennis wrote. “Thank you Coach Des Kitchings for the development and belief in me. Thank you to the rest of the coaching and support staff for the dedication in aiding me to become a better person and player.”
A Strong Finish After Setbacks
Ennis’ path to the draft was anything but linear.
During the 2024 season, he appeared in Virginia’s first four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He returned healthy in 2025 and emerged as one of the Cavaliers’ most reliable offensive pieces.
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound graduate student played in 13 of Virginia’s 14 games, starting 12, and posted career highs across the board with 23 receptions, 214 receiving yards and five touchdown catches. His five scores tied for the team lead.
Ennis capped his season with his best performance in the Cavaliers’ bowl victory, hauling in five catches for 35 yards in a 13–7 win over Missouri Tigers in the Gator Bowl.
Clemson Roots
At Clemson, Ennis served primarily as a depth tight end and trusted blocker, appearing in 41 games over four seasons. He totaled six receptions for 77 yards while logging 449 offensive snaps, earning two career starts.
His most productive season with the Tigers came in 2023, when he recorded three catches for 52 yards across 10 games before a season-ending knee injury against Georgia Tech.
While his numbers in orange were modest, Ennis’ development and perseverance paid off in his final stop, positioning him as a late-riser tight end prospect entering draft season.
Draft Ahead
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, where Ennis will look to convert his late-career momentum into a professional opportunity.