Clemson Tigers Star Edge Rusher Declares for NFL Draft

Another domino fell in Clemson’s wave of NFL Draft decisions, as a star defensive end joined the exodus later in the night.

Clemson’s list of NFL Draft departures grew Tuesday night as another cornerstone defender announced his decision. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive tackle Peter Woods declaring for the NFL Draft yesterday, the Tigers saw another one of the program's top players make his decision later in the night.

In a post made to his Instagram account, Tigers edge rusher T.J. Parker declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He has not announced whether he will play in the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State on Dec. 27, but it's likely he won't.

"Thank you, Clemson, for taking in a young kid with big dreams and helping shape me into the man and player I am today. This program, this school and this community will always have my heart," Parker wrote in his announcement.

The 6-foot-3 defensive end began his career at Clemson in 2023 as the second-highest recruit in his respective class.

Parker was a borderline five-star, ranking as the 43rd-best player in the nation and lived up to the heavy expectations, starting in 29 games while totaling 126 tackles, 41.5 for a loss, 21.5 sacks and six forced fumbles — all of which came in his junior year.

After an 11-sack campaign last year, the Alabama native entered the season as the No. 2 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' NFL Draft Big Board — one spot ahead of Woods — and was an ESPN Preseason All-American heading into the season alongside Woods and quarterback Cade Klubnik.

But, the broad edge rusher didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations, recording 37 total tackles, 9.5 for a loss, five sacks — three of which came in his final game — three fumble recoveries and one pass deflection.

Nevertheless, Parker's potential and upside at the next level remain undeniable. 

In a scouting report written by CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson last week, he praised Parker for his high motor and ability to reach the backfield with both his power and finesse moves.

"Parker is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with the juice to both collapse pockets with a bull rush and the bend to win around the corner," Wilson explained. "He's stout and disciplined against the run, from setting the edge to blowing up plays in the backfield with his quickness."

Parker is still expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — which begins on April 23 — projected to be selected in the mid-to-late first-round picks on most mock drafts.