Clemson’s Impressive 2026 NFL Combine Contingent: Nine Tigers Ready to Shine in Indianapolis
As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine approaches (February 23–March 2 in Indianapolis), Clemson Tigers football continues to solidify its reputation as one of college football’s premier NFL talent factories. The NFL officially invited nine former Clemson players to the event, matching one of the program’s strongest showings in recent years. This group represents a blend of proven producers, high-upside athletes, and versatile playmakers from the 2025 season.The invitees are:
- QB Cade Klubnik
- WR Adam Randall
- WR Antonio Williams
- OT Blake Miller
- EDGE T.J. Parker
- DL Peter Woods
- DT DeMonte Capehart
- LB Wade Woodaz
- CB Avieon Terrell
These nine participants highlight the depth of Clemson’s 2025 roster and underscore head coach Dabo Swinney’s ongoing success in developing pro-ready talent. The combine will provide a national stage for workouts, measurements, interviews, and medical evaluations that could significantly impact their draft stock for the 2026 NFL Draft.Offensive Standouts
Cade Klubnik (Quarterback)
The former five-star recruit and three-year starter concluded his Clemson career as one of the program’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. Klubnik amassed over 10,000 passing yards and showed marked improvement in decision-making and accuracy during his senior season. Known for his arm talent, mobility, and leadership under pressure, he threw for nearly 3,600 yards and 36 touchdowns in one of his standout campaigns, with a completion percentage hovering around 64%. Scouts praise his toughness and ability to extend plays, though some note room for growth in processing speed against complex defenses. Projections vary widely—ranging from late Day 2 to Day 3—but his experience in high-stakes games (including playoff appearances) makes him an intriguing developmental prospect with starter upside in the right system.
Antonio Williams (Wide Receiver)
A consistent big-play threat, Williams emerged as Clemson’s go-to receiver, using elite speed and route-running to create separation. He posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons and excelled in contested-catch situations. His combination of size (around 6-0, 195 lbs) and explosiveness positions him as a potential slot or boundary weapon in the NFL. Williams’ reliable hands and yards-after-catch ability draw comparisons to productive pros, and he projects as a Day 2 pick with the potential to rise based on strong testing numbers.
Adam Randall (Wide Receiver/RB)
Randall overcame early-career injuries to become a dependable target in Clemson’s passing attack. His size (6-2, 200+ lbs) and physicality make him a matchup problem, particularly in the red zone. While not the fastest, Randall’s body control and ball skills shine in traffic. He could test well in jumps and bench press, boosting his stock as a possession receiver with upside. Projections place him in the mid-to-late rounds.
Blake Miller (Offensive Tackle)
A multi-year starter at right tackle, Miller anchored Clemson’s line with excellent length (6-6, 310+ lbs) and footwork. He excelled in pass protection against top ACC edge rushers and showed improvement in run blocking. Mock drafts frequently slot him in the late first to third round, with some analysts viewing him as a future NFL starter due to his technique and athleticism for his size.
Defensive Standouts
Peter Woods (Defensive Lineman)
One of the crown jewels of this group, Woods—a former top-10 national recruit—lived up to the hype with disruptive interior play. Versatile enough to line up at multiple spots along the line, he combines explosive first-step quickness with power (around 6-3, 315 lbs). Woods recorded career highs in tackles and sacks in 2025, earning All-ACC honors. Many scouts consider him a top interior defensive line prospect with one of the highest floors in the class; projections often have him as a mid-to-late first-round pick, with potential to climb into the top 15 based on combine performance.
T.J. Parker (Edge Rusher)
Parker brought consistent pressure off the edge, using bend and length to disrupt quarterbacks. His production included multiple sacks and forced fumbles, showcasing his motor and finishing ability. At around 6-4, 260 lbs, he projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end. Day 2 potential is common in evaluations.
DeMonte Capehart (Defensive Tackle)
A space-eater in the middle, Capehart clogged running lanes and collapsed pockets with raw power. His senior season featured improved leverage and hand usage. While not the flashiest, his run-defense reliability could earn him a role as a two-down player early in his NFL career, projecting in the mid-rounds.
Wade Woodaz (Linebacker)
Woodaz emerged as a tackling machine with sideline-to-sideline range. His instincts and physicality stood out in coverage and against the run. Projections see him as a Day 3 pick with special teams value and potential to develop into a starter.
Avieon Terrell (Cornerback)
The younger brother of former Clemson and current NFL star A.J. Terrell, Avieon brought ball skills and competitiveness to the secondary. His length and recovery speed make him effective in man coverage. Some mocks have him sneaking into the late first or early second round if he tests well in speed and agility drills.
Clemson’s Elite NFL Pipeline: A 15-Year Powerhouse
Clemson’s presence at the 2026 combine—with nine invitees—continues a remarkable streak of professional development under Dabo Swinney. Over the past 15 years (2011–2025 NFL Drafts), Clemson has been one of the nation’s top producers of NFL talent, particularly during its championship era.Key statistics highlight the program’s dominance:
- Total Draft Picks (2011–2025): Approximately 75–80 players selected, with a surge in recent years.
- ACC Leader Over the Past Decade: Clemson leads the conference by a wide margin with 56 draft picks (compared to Miami’s 45 and Florida State’s 42, per recent analyses).
- First-Round Selections: 15+ since 2011, including multiple No. 1 overall picks (Trevor Lawrence in 2021) and top-10 selections like Isaiah Simmons, Clelin Ferrell, and Myles Murphy.
- Notable High-Water Marks: Years like 2020 (7 picks) and others with 6+ selections demonstrate consistent depth.
- All-Time Context: Clemson’s modern era has produced stars across positions, from quarterbacks (Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence) to defensive linemen (multiple top picks) and skill players.
This pipeline ranks Clemson among elite programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia in per-year production. The 2026 combine group exemplifies Swinney’s emphasis on high-character, versatile athletes who translate quickly to the pros.As these nine Tigers take the field in Indianapolis, they carry the weight of Clemson’s proud tradition. Strong performances could push several into early rounds, further cementing Death Valley’s status as a direct pathway to the NFL. Tiger fans will be watching closely—another strong draft class is on the horizon.
