You can feel it in the air across South Carolina right now. That Tiger electricity is back—whether it’s the deafening roar on a Saturday in Death Valley or the quiet swagger of 17 Tigers, the most since our unforgettable 2019 team, getting ready to hear their names in Pittsburgh. One thing’s for sure: Clemson is still the class of college football.
From the big boys in the trenches to the edge rushers trading Colorado’s flash for the real shine of the Orange and White, our Tigers are the talk of the nation.
THE BIG BOYS GO FIRST
The NFL is built for giants, and nobody grows them like Clemson. Blake Miller leads the way—a true iron man who redefined toughness in Death Valley. At 6-foot-7 and 317 pounds, Miller started every single game of his career, 54 in a row, more than any non-specialist in Tiger history. He set the all-time mark for offensive snaps, too: 3,779. That’s legendary.
The Los Angeles Chargers are licking their chops at Pick 22. With a pro-ready frame and those 34-inch arms, Miller is about to show the world why the big boys from Clemson always go first.
Next up, the Cleveland Browns have their eyes on T.J. Parker. His numbers dipped a bit in 2025, but his jaw-dropping athleticism—just look at that 10-foot-10 broad jump—has scouts buzzing. Parker racked up 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a sophomore. Now, with a chance to learn from Myles Garrett, he could be the next Tiger to chase Canton.
And don’t sleep on Peter Woods. He might not have put up monster stats in 2025, but at 302 pounds with the quickness of a linebacker, he’s a nightmare for offenses. The Houston Texans would be lucky to have him.
DEFENSIVE REINFORCEMENTS AND SHADED TRUTHS
While some Tigers are off to the NFL, the Valley just keeps reloading. Enter London Merritt. The IMG Academy product and Freshman All-American is bringing his 8 tackles for loss from Colorado to the only Death Valley that matters.
Merritt didn’t hold back when explaining why he traded the Buffaloes for the Tigers. “It was just a lot better than where I was: facility-wise, coaching-wise; I feel like it was just a better option for me,” Merritt said. For Merritt, the move felt like destiny after returning to Clemson multiple times. “I feel like it was just a better option for me,” he reiterated, adding that he is in a better position to replenish our front four.
SECOND DAY STEALS AND POSITIONLESS PLAYERS
And the Tiger talent just keeps coming. Avieon Terrell—yes, A.J.’s brother—is projected to the Jets at Pick 33. He’s battled through a tough hamstring, but nobody questions his heart. Dabo called his shot five years ago on FaceTime, and with 28 career pass breakups, this crafty corner is ready to silence the doubters.
On offense, Antonio Williams is our lone true receiver in the draft. He’s a two-time All-ACC star and a slot magician with feet that never stop moving. Don’t forget Adam Randall, either. After flipping from receiver to running back in 2025, he led the Tigers with 814 rushing yards. His 4.5 speed has the NFL paying attention, and he’s already worked out privately for the Commanders.
LATE ROUND LEGENDS
This draft class runs deep, folks:
- Demonte Capehart (DT): The RAS superstar whose draft stock is skyrocketing.
- Cade Klubnik (QB): The pride of Austin, Texas, and our ACC Championship MVP, ready to bring his athleticism and leadership to the Carolina Panthers.
- Wade Woodaz (LB): Special teams dynamo, already in talks with the Seahawks, who told him they hope it works out.
A HERO HEADS HOME
It’s not just football making headlines. In Clemson women’s hoops, we’re saying a bittersweet goodbye to Hannah Kohn. She gave us the ACC’s “Nothing But Net Moment of the Year” with that game-winner against No. 9 Duke. Now she’s headed to South Florida. We’ll miss her clutch shooting in Littlejohn, but we’re cheering her on all the way.
One thing never changes: whether you’re coming into the Valley or heading to the pros, once a Tiger, always a Tiger.