Clemson’s 2026 NFL Draft outlook continues to sharpen as multiple Tigers climbed in ESPN’s latest prospect rankings, highlighted by defensive tackle Peter Woods cracking the top 15 overall and quarterback Cade Klubnik landing among the nation’s top five quarterbacks.
ESPN analyst Field Yates released updated Top 25 overall projections and positional rankings, and Clemson placed multiple names firmly on the national draft radar as decisions by several quarterbacks to return to school reshaped the board.
Woods leads Clemson’s surge up the board
Woods headlines the Tigers’ rise, checking in at No. 12 overall on Yates’ updated list and standing as the top defensive tackle in the class.
“Woods wreaks havoc in the run game, with quickness both up the field and laterally,” Yates wrote. “His power at the point of attack allows him to lock out blockers and disengage. While the sack totals don’t jump off the page, his impact goes beyond the box score.”
Though some evaluators continue to question Woods’ height and arm length, Yates dismissed those concerns as minor, noting that his tape consistently shows NFL-level disruption.
Terrell’s playmaking earns national respect
Cornerback Avieon Terrell rounded out Yates’ Top 25 at No. 25 overall and ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the class.
“The younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon packs a ton of punch,” Yates wrote. “He’s a true ‘find the football’ corner, and that skill should translate to the NFL.”
Terrell’s combination of instincts, physicality and turnover production has fueled his steady climb since midseason.
Klubnik holds Top-5 quarterback status
Despite a statistically uneven 2025 campaign, Klubnik remains firmly in the quarterback conversation nationally. Yates slotted the Clemson signal-caller No. 5 among quarterbacks, a ranking buoyed by his experience, athleticism and earlier efficiency metrics.
Klubnik entered the season as Pro Football Focus’ top returning quarterback but saw his production dip amid injuries and schematic inconsistencies. Still, with several quarterbacks opting to stay in college, league evaluators appear increasingly intrigued by Klubnik’s upside.
Kiper echoes Clemson’s presence
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. mirrored much of that sentiment in his own Top 25, ranking Woods No. 21 and Terrell No. 25 overall.
Kiper also placed Woods as his No. 2 defensive tackle, Terrell as the No. 3 cornerback, T.J. Parker as the No. 2 outside linebacker and Blake Miller as the No. 10 offensive tackle. Klubnik narrowly missed Kiper’s quarterback top tier.
Mock drafts begin lining up for Clemson defenders
The momentum extends into mock drafts. The Athletic projects Woods at No. 19 overall to the Carolina Panthers, followed by Terrell at No. 20 to the Dallas Cowboys.
“Woods didn’t have the season evaluators expected, but the flashes show an ascending player,” analyst Dane Brugler wrote. On Terrell, Brugler highlighted his competitiveness and playmaking instincts, noting a defensive presence reminiscent of the “Honey Badger.”