Antonio Williams is already drawing plenty of NFL buzz as he heads into what could be his final season in Clemson’s wide receiver room. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner recently spotlighted Williams as one of the top offensive underclassmen to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Baumgardner placed Williams 13th overall among draft-eligible underclassmen on offense, noting just how valuable he’s been for Cade Klubnik and Clemson’s passing attack.
“A 5-11, 190-pound redshirt junior, Williams plays bigger than he looks with great burst and quick feet off the snap,” Baumgardner said. “He is very hard to deal with in a tight space and does a good job tracking and finishing through contact and physicality. He forced 14 missed tackles last season, carving up would-be tacklers with vision and explosive balance.
“He needs to eliminate his drops, and his size could limit his role in the NFL, but Williams has been great for Clemson star QB Cade Klubnik.”
The Tigers’ top receiver target checked in as the fourth-ranked wideout on the list. Beyond Williams, Clemson’s upcoming slate will bring more underclassman talent into focus — Baumgardner ranked Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 1, with South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers (QB) landing at No. 5 and Boston College lineman Jude Bowry coming in at No. 15.
With Williams healthy and poised for a big year, Klubnik could have one of the ACC’s toughest covers at his disposal — and NFL scouts will be watching closely.
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