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Clemson vs. LSU: 2026 draft prospects primed for big stage

Jon Helmkamp
NCAA Football: CFP National Playoff First Round-Clemson at Texas

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) makes a catch for a first down against the Texas Longhorns during the second half of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

College football is so back.

Week 1 is upon us, and the schedule makers wasted no time giving us crucial matchups, featuring true CFP contenders and a slew of names worth knowing for the 2026 NFL Draft.

I’m a draft nerd. Sorry, can’t help it. After years of obsessing over the draft, I’ve found that the best way to be aware of the players that your favorite team may, or should, be drafting, is to learn about them early.

In the LSU vs Clemson game Saturday night, tons of top talent, including arguably the best non-quarterback in the country, will take center stage. This matchup is riddled with future NFL talent, and deserves plenty of attention.

Let’s get to know some of the top 2026 draft prospects from both sidelines:

LSU

Garrett Nussmeier, quarterback

The 2026 draft class seems rich in quarterback talent with a season to go, and Garrett Nussmeier is right up there near the top of the list. At 6’1” and 205 lbs, Nussmeier isn’t the biggest or fastest quarterback in the country, but in his first season as the full-time starter (2024), Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. There’s plenty of arm talent, especially off-platform and on the move. He’s a creator.

Whit Weeks, linebacker

2026 might be the return of the linebacker. Weeks is one of only two team captains (Nussmeier is the other). He is strong against the run and is a dangerous pass rusher. He has size, strength, athleticism, and instincts… all things you look for in a modern off-ball linebacker. Fresh off an 18.2% pass rush win rate, Weeks is a big name to watch this season.

Aaron Anderson, wide receiver

Oh look, LSU has a wide receiver worth knowing about, like they do seemingly every single year. There wasn’t one of note in 2025 after Brian Thomas Jr. went in the first round in 2024, so they’re overdue. Anderson is small, listed at only 5’8” and 188 lbs, but he has the hands, athleticism, and separation to be a problem. To be NFL worthy, he’s going to have to prove that he can be consistent and be a size outlier, and producing in the SEC against top competition like Clemson is a great way to do just that.

Kaleb Jackson, running back

Kaleb Jackson is an absolute freight train out of the backfield at 6’0, 235 lbs. He throws ferocious stiff arms and has the ability to drop a shoulder and plant a defender into the earth. But, coming off a down year where he was carrying some extra weight, the third-year back is looking to bounce back and earn a bigger role. He’ll get a big test against the Clemson defense right out of the gate, but if he can establish himself early, it would be a huge benefit to the LSU offense.

Harold Perkins, linebacker

The STAR linebacker position is a fascinating one. Think of it like a crossover between an outside linebacker and a nickel. They have to have the speed and coverage abilities of a defensive back, and the strength and tackling ability against the run. They also often find themselves getting after the quarterback. It’s a versatile position deployed a lot in college football, and Perkins, who embodies all of those traits, will find himself all over the defense in key spots. 

Clemson

Cade Klubnik, quarterback

This is a true battle of two of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 draft class, with Cade Klubnik manning the Clemson offense. He has tons of natural ability and creativity in his game, but can occasionally hold the ball too long. Still, Klubnik is very much in the conversation of the top quarterbacks in the draft cycle.

Peter Woods, defensive tackle

Peter Woods very well could be the first player outside the quarterback position to hear his name called next April. He has a blend of size, strength, explosiveness, pass rushing, run stuffing, block shedding… he literally has it all in spades. He’s a whirlwind disruptor capable of just silly displays of strength, like pushing two offensive linemen at the same time with a single hand on each of their shoulders. Deserving of a top-five selection, potentially first overall, with All-Pro NFL upside.

T.J. Parker, edge

Clemson is going to have two members of their defensive line go very early in the draft. T.J. Parker, a twitched up athlete with speed and strength to either go around or through offensive linemen, is a natural disruptor. He and Woods make a fearsome combination for opposing offensive lines to handle. 

Avieon Terrell, cornerback

Rounding out the handful of defensive players that might all go in the first round is cornerback Avian Terrell. A smooth operator that identifies the play in front of him well, Terrell has ability in man or zone schemes, can mirror, and can play the ball. Oh, and he’s the brother of All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell of the Atlanta Falcons. It runs in the genes. 

Antonio Williams, wide receiver

Clemson gets my vote for the best playmaker on the field in this matchup, with wide receiver Antonio Williams coming off a 904 yard, 11 touchdown season a year ago. He’s ready to break through in a major way. The 5’11” wide receiver with tons of athleticism and ability after the catch will be a huge factor for the Tigers this season. I firmly believe he’s poised for a monster season.

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