Clemson Star's NFL Draft Stock is Absolutely Plummeting

Going into the 2026 college football season, Clemson Tigers wide receiver T.J. Moore was widely viewed as a potential first-round talent.

And how could he not be?

Moore had a brilliant sophomore campaign in 2025, hauling in 52 receptions for 837 yards and four touchdowns. That was good for an average of 16.1 yards per catch.

He was also impressive during his freshman season, catching 45 passes for 651 yards and five scores.

Moore was expected to take another leap here in 2026, but the exact opposite has happened, and he is no longer considered an elite draft prospect because of it.

Through nine games, the junior receiver has logged 37 catches for 368 yards and one touchdown. He is averaging a meager 9.9 yards per grab, well below his lifetime average.

Moore snared seven balls for 103 yards and a touchdown against Georgia Southern in Week 2. He has only achieved 40 yards or more once otherwise, which came last Saturday when he caught four passes for 63 yards versus Syracuse.

Obviously, Clemson's quarterback situation has played a significant role in Moore's demise, as Tait Reynolds has struggled throughout the year.

But that doesn't explain such a stark dropoff in production from Moore, who is now being viewed as a Day 3 pick by some.

In fact, NFL Mock Draft Database has Moore's consensus draft position at No. 135 right now. For reference, he peaked at No. 45 in the very early stages of the season.

It's getting to a point where Moore may need to seriously consider returning to school and also possibly transferring, because his professional career is at stake here.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds with tremendous athleticism and a knack for making spectacular catches, Moore is absolutely an NFL prospect, and he has the raw talent to be a first or second-round pick come April.

Production matters, though, and while scouts will absolutely take Moore's extenuating circumstances at Clemson into account, the declining stats will play a role.

It's truly a shame, because I felt heading into the year that Moore was arguably the most underrated wide out in the country and should be placed right up there with guys like Cam Coleman and Nick Marsh. But clearly, that hasn't been the case in 2026.

There is still some time for Moore to somewhat salvage his reputation, but the bulk of the damage has already been done.

At this point, Moore will have a very tough decision to make come springtime.