Is it ever too early to talk about the next NFL Draft? The answer is no, especially not when scouts are looking further out than just 2026. Media that covers teams are at a point where camp activity isn’t quite enough to feed the beast that is their fanbase so out come the projections. Whether you follow the NFL or college football it’s more than likely that you’ve heard the early chirping already.
A quick look at most big board projections will reaffirm why Clemson is being touted as the early favorite in the ACC. The Tigers are loaded with professional caliber players on both sides of the ball and tout the most possible picks out of the conference. But don’t get too eager to wrap things up with a bow for Dabo and company.
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Jacob Infante, the lead draft analyst for Windy City Gridiron only lists two Miami players while skipping over the Canes’ starting QB, Carson Beck. Meanwhile at PFF they do not and make it three of Mario Cristobal’s roster likely to get an early nod.
ACC Players Loading ’26 NFL Draft
Clemson Tigers
T.J. Parker – Edge Rusher – Parker’s 12 sacks in 2024 led all returning Power Four edge rushers, and he’s one of three in that same group who posted 80.0-plus grades both as a pass rusher and as a run defender.
Peter Woods – Defensive Tackle – The 6’3″, 315-pound defensive tackle is insanely disruptive as an interior presence, where his 8.5 TFLs and three sacks in 2024 showcase Woods’ ability to overpower with his upper body strength.
Cade Klubnik – Quarterback – Klubnik continues to improve and has turned into a nice all-around quarterback. He’s ranked as high as the #2 QB prospect in some evaluations.
Avieon Terrell – Cornerback – The younger brother of current Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, Avieon is projected to follow in his brother’s footsteps from Clemson to the first round of the NFL draft.
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Miami Hurricanes
Carson Beck – Quarterback – The Georgia transfer is named one of seven quarterbacks who have a chance to be the top quarterback selected in 2026 though his stock has fluctuated after a disappointing 2024 season.
Francis Mauigoa – Offensive Tackle – Listed as the #2 OT prospect by Infante.
Reuben Bain, Jr – Edge – Listed as the top Edge pick prospect by Infante.
Duke Blue Devils
Chandler Rivers – Cornerback – Rivers enjoyed a breakout junior campaign with the Blue Devils, tying with Jahdae Barron for the highest PFF grade among Power Four cornerbacks (90.7)
Aside from the obvious the ACC is loaded with both offensive and defensive talent going into the new season.
A total of 42 ACC football players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft along with numerous UDFA signings.
