Two Clemson Tigers Crack ESPN's Top 20 in 2023 Recruiting Class Rerank

Defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker make big jumps in ESPN's 2023 recruiting class rerank ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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ESPN's 2023 recruiting class rerank features two Clemson defensive stars - defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker - climbing into the Top 20 after standout collegiate careers. Woods dropped from No. 4 to No. 11, while Parker jumped from No. 87 to No. 17 in the rankings.

Why it matters

The rerank highlights the continued success of Clemson's defense, with two of its top players from the 2023 recruiting class emerging as potential high draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This is a testament to Clemson's ability to develop elite defensive talent and maintain its status as one of the top programs in college football.

The details

Defensive tackle Peter Woods was described as the "most disruptive player on the field" at the 2023 Under Armour All-America game, showcasing his freakish athleticism and tenacious motor. Over his three-year career, Woods totaled 84 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. Edge rusher T.J. Parker made a huge jump from No. 87 to No. 17 after three impressive seasons at Clemson. As a sophomore in 2024, Parker boasted 57 tackles, 20 for a loss, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, finishing among the national leaders in several categories.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just two months away.
  • ESPN released its 2023 recruiting class rerank on February 14, 2026.

The players

Peter Woods

A defensive tackle who was the top-ranked defensive player in the 2023 ESPN 300. He showcased his freakish athleticism and tenacious motor during his Clemson career, totaling 84 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection in 35 games played.

T.J. Parker

An edge rusher who made a huge jump from No. 87 to No. 17 in the 2023 recruiting class rerank. He had a breakout sophomore season in 2024, recording 57 tackles, 20 for a loss, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, finishing among the national leaders in several categories.

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What they’re saying

“Woods didn't disappoint when we finally saw him in person at the 2023 Under Armour All-America game. He was the most disruptive player on the field against the nation's best competition, and his lack of ideal measurables at 6-foot-2, 275 pounds was not an issue.”

— Billy Tucker, ESPN writer (ESPN)

“A top-100 prospect in the 2023 ESPN 300 and the No. 10 defensive end, Parker's Clemson production largely matched his high school projection. He arrived in Death Valley with a blend of size at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds with power and range, which he used to overpower high school competition.”

— Billy Tucker, ESPN writer (ESPN)

The takeaway

Clemson's ability to develop elite defensive talent and maintain its status as one of the top programs in college football is on full display with two of its top 2023 recruits - Peter Woods and T.J. Parker - emerging as potential high draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This rerank showcases the continued success of the Tigers' defense and their knack for producing NFL-caliber players.