Peter Woods arrived at Clemson with five stars, massive expectations, and a frame built to dominate. Now, heading into his junior season, the former blue-chip defensive tackle is not only living up to the hype—he’s at the top of the board.
Yahoo Sports has tabbed Woods as the No. 1 overall prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, leading a stacked group of Clemson stars expected to headline next year’s class. Fellow defensive lineman T.J. Parker (No. 6), cornerback Avieon Terrell (No. 17), and quarterback Cade Klubnik (No. 25) also cracked the outlet’s top 25 rankings.
Advertisement
“A monster in the middle. That’s what Woods is,” wrote Yahoo analyst Nate Tice. “A 6-foot-3, 315-pound interior game wrecker who has the athleticism to play on the outside, too. He’s a powerful defender with light feet who plays hard and impacts both the run and pass every down. Woods reminds me a lot of Jets star Quinnen Williams.”
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Woods, who has reportedly slimmed down in the offseason, is expected to take another leap in 2025 under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg believes Allen’s arrival could elevate both Woods and Parker into elite draft territory.
“Clemson’s defense should bounce back, possibly again reaching elite levels under new coordinator Tom Allen,” Rittenberg said. “Woods… has slimmed down considerably. His sack numbers should rise under Allen, who helped develop Penn State’s Abdul Carter into the No. 3 pick in 2025.”
Advertisement
Parker, meanwhile, enters 2025 as one of the most feared edge rushers in college football. He posted 11.5 sacks and a program-record six forced fumbles last season, and scouts rave about his violent hands and relentless motor.
Yahoo’s take on Parker was equally glowing: “A powerful defender who is effective against the run and pass… an explosive athlete who fires off the football and is constantly attacking blockers.”
The praise doesn’t stop there. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller called the 2026 defensive line class “stacked,” highlighting Woods and Parker as top-five talents. Other top linemen on Miller’s radar include Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, and Alabama’s LT Overton and Tim Keenan III.
For Clemson, the recognition speaks volumes. After a 2024 season that saw the Tigers reclaim the ACC crown and reenter the College Football Playoff, the 2025 squad is loaded with star power—and potential first-round firepower.
Advertisement
With Woods anchoring the middle, Parker terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge, and Terrell locking down opposing receivers, Clemson’s defense could return to elite form. And for NFL scouts, Death Valley may once again be the epicenter of future pro talent.
The message is clear: Clemson isn’t just back in the title hunt—it’s back in the business of developing top-tier NFL stars.
Related: Clemson Climbs to No. 5 in USA Today’s Post-Spring Top 25 Rankings