Clemson’s TJ Parker Shocks Fans, Declares for 2026 NFL Draft—What This Means for His Future Stuns Experts!

You know, when a name like T.J. Parker drops the bomb—declaring he’s skipping his last shot at college ball to chase the NFL dream—it causes a stir you just can’t ignore. On December 9th, Clemson’s fierce edge rusher made it official, throwing his hat in the ring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Reading his Instagram message, you can’t help but feel the weight of his journey—“Thank you, Clemson, for taking in a young kid with big dreams and shaping me into the man and player I am today.” There’s pride, gratitude, and that bittersweet hint of what’s next… What remains to be seen is if Parker will suit up for Clemson’s bowl clash against Penn State come December 27th at Yankee Stadium. This decision marks a pivotal moment—not just for Parker but for Clemson’s defensive front—but it electrifies the conversation around this promising prospect’s future on the gridiron. LEARN MORE

CLEMSON — Clemson football edge rusher T.J. Parker announced on Dec. 9 he will forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Thank you, Clemson, for taking in a young kid with big dreams and helping shape me into the man and player I am today,” Parker posted on Instagram.

He did not include whether he will opt out of Clemson’s bowl game against Penn State (6-6) on Dec. 27 (noon ET, ABC) at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Parker recorded 37 tackles, including five sacks, three fumble recoveries and one pass break up this season. His production dipped this season compared to last year when he had 11 sacks and forced a Clemson record six forced fumbles.

Parker is the fourth Clemson player with eligibility remaining to announce he will enter the NFL draft, joining wide receiver Antonio Williams, cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive tackle Peter Woods.

Edge rusher Will Heldt also has eligibility remaining but has not announced a decision if he will return to Clemson or not. Woods and Parker both participated in senior day festivities as they are expected to graduate in December.

Players who are out of eligibility and will try to go to the NFL are Klubnik, linebacker Wade Woodaz, offensive linemen Blake Miller, Ryan Linthicum, Tristan Leigh and Walker Parks, safety Tyler Venables, running back Adam Randall and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart.

TJ Parker NFL draft projections

Parker is viewed as a potential first- or second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN draft analysts rank him as a top-eight edge rusher in the draft with his highest ranking at No. 4.

CBS Sports ranks Parker as the 15th best player in the draft. ESPN ranks him No. 36.

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: T.J. Parker to enter 2026 NFL Draft as Clemson loses top edge rusher