Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell announces 2026 NFL Draft decision
.jpg "Clemson CB Avieon Terrell (8)")
Clemson’s best defensive back is going pro.
Tigers junior cornerback Avieon Terrell announced Monday on social media that he’s declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft and leaving Clemson one year early.
Terrell did not specify whether he will play in Clemson’s upcoming bowl game. The Tigers will play Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City on Dec. 27.
In recent years, Clemson players who’ve declared for the NFL Draft ahead of the team’s bowl game have opted out and not participated in the bowl game.
Terrell is well regarded by national draft analysts. Among four ESPN experts, none ranked Terrell lower than No. 4 among their top cornerback prospects. CBS Sports had Terrell as a mid-first round pick in two recent mock drafts.
The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell (who also played for the Tigers and was a “three and done” player), Avieon Terrell has been a bright spot in recent years for a struggling Clemson passing defense.
He often shadows the other team’s No. 1 receiver and packs a punch despite his slighter frame (5-11, 180). Terrell led the ACC in forced fumbles this season with five, and his eight career forced fumbles are the most ever by a Clemson DB.
Terrell also had 40 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and nine pass breakups as a junior. Across 39 career games for Clemson and Dabo Swinney, he had 125 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, 25 pass breakups and three interceptions.
Redshirt junior WR Antonio Williams has already announced he’ll be leaving Clemson after this season and going to the NFL Draft. With Terrell’s decision, the following players still have pending decisions: DT Peter Woods, DE T.J. Parker and DE Will Heldt. All three are true juniors with one year of eligibility remaining.
Terrell, in a post on Instagram, said playing at Clemson had been an “incredible blessing” and something he’d dreamed of since childhood.
“I’m grateful for every memory, every challenge and every opportunity this program has given me,” Terrell wrote. ... “With gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead, I am humbled to announce that I am declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Go Tigers!”
This story was originally published December 8, 2025 at 11:35 AM.
