Arguably, the biggest strength of Clemson‘s defense going into the 2025-26 season is the defensive line, specifically in the pass rush. The returning depth is among the best in the country, and Clemson is bringing back much of its sack production.
Last season, the Tigers averaged 2.5 sacks a game — good for a modest 37th ranking. On top of the sack leaderboard for Clemson was TJ Parker, a top 10 pass rusher in the country, per ESPN.
TJ Parker ranks No. 2 pass rusher in college football
The sports media giant surveyed 10 of their college football reporters, asking who they thought were the top 10 pass rushers in the country. Parker ranked No. 2. With a ceiling of 100 total points, Parker received 69, including three first-place votes.
Parker recorded 11 sacks in 2024, which outpaced Clemson’s second-leading sacker, Sammy Brown, by six. David Hale of ESPN wrote a glowing description of the 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end despite the Tigers having a down season regarding sacks.
“But if [2024-25] was a down year, you can’t blame Parker, who blossomed into one of the most fearsome pass rushers in the country, racking up 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles,” said Hale.
“Despite playing without a solid alternative on the other side of the line for much of the season, Parker showed his skills throughout and delivered his best games as Clemson chased down an ACC title.”
Parker finished 7th on the team with 57 tackles (almost 20 percent were sacks) while making a team-leading 19.5 tackles for loss. He also had six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a pass deflection.
Parker wasn’t the only Tiger named. Peter Woods also received votes, but he did not make the top 10. With 10 points, Woods would have come in at No. 13, with three sacks and 26 tackles in 2024.
