The postseason picture may be settled for Cincinnati, but Sunday served as a reminder that the Bengals still have elite talent capable of taking over a game — especially when that talent has Clemson roots.
In a 45–21 blowout win over Miami, former Clemson standouts Tee Higgins and Barrett Carter delivered impact performances on opposite sides of the ball, showcasing the range of influence Clemson products continue to have at the NFL level.
Higgins Makes His Presence Felt
Higgins’ performance carried added weight after a difficult stretch that saw him enter concussion protocol twice in the span of a month, forcing him to miss both matchups against Baltimore earlier in the season.
Fully cleared and back at full strength, the veteran wideout wasted little time reasserting himself. Higgins finished with three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable red-zone target and steadying presence in the passing game.
While injuries will likely keep him from reaching the 1,000-yard mark this season, Higgins is quietly putting together one of his most efficient scoring campaigns. With Sunday’s touchdown, he matched his single-season career high of 10 touchdowns, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most dependable finishers near the goal line.
Carter’s Rookie Rise Continues
On the other side of the ball, Barrett Carter continues to look like a foundational piece for Cincinnati’s defense.
The fourth-round pick began the season in a rotational role, but his first career start in Week 6 sparked a dramatic shift. Since then, Carter has been a full-time starter, emerging as one of the Bengals’ most consistent defensive performers.
Against Miami, Carter delivered one of his most complete games of the year, recording five tackles, two pass breakups, and the first interception of his NFL career. His instincts in coverage stood out, adding another layer to a skill set that has already produced 70 tackles, three pass deflections, and a tackle for loss this season.
Earlier in the year, Carter posted a career-high 16 tackles against New England — a performance that solidified his role and accelerated his development timeline.
Clemson’s NFL Imprint
Cincinnati’s season may end without a playoff berth, but performances like Sunday’s highlight the lasting pipeline between Clemson and the professional ranks.
From Higgins’ proven veteran impact to Carter’s rapid ascent as a rookie starter, the Tigers’ influence continues to show up on NFL Sundays — even in seasons that don’t end with postseason football.
The Bengals will look to close the year strong when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium on Dec. 28, with Clemson alumni once again positioned to play central roles.