Clemson Tigers Star is in the Crosshairs After Brutal Game

It has not been an easy season for Clemson Tigers wide receiver T.J. Moore, who entered the campaign with so much promise but has not delivered.

After two very strong seasons to begin his career at Clemson, Moore has struggled mightily in 2026, having logged just 27 catches for 244 yards and a touchdown through the first six games.

Last Saturday against Charleston Southern, Moore had what Dabo Swinney called the worst game of his Tigers career, catching two passes for nine yards and dropping what would have been a sure touchdown. In fact, Swinney said he feels Moore dropped three potential touchdowns.

Moore entered the year viewed as a potential first-round talent in the 2027 NFL Draft, but he has certainly not lived up to his expectations.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound playmaker arrived at Clemson in 2024 and had a very impressive freshman campaign, snaring 45 balls for 651 yards and five scores. Then, last year, he hauled in 52 receptions for 837 yards while reaching the end zone four times.

In fact, Moore was one of the Tigers' only true bright spots in 2025, and he appeared to be one of the nation's most underrated receivers heading into his junior season.

But instead of further bolstering his draft stock this year, Moore has actually hurt it, and at this point, he might not even be a second-round selection.

Remember: last season, Antonio Williams was considered a potential first-rounder going into the year. He ended up having an underwhelming junior campaign and fell to Round 3.

The same thing could happen to Moore, and while he still has seven six games left to prove himself, the damage may have already been done.

I personally still think Moore could be a tremendous NFL receiver. He has the size and the athleticism, and up until recently, he had flashed terrific hands.

However, he might end up playing the role of a Day 2 sleeper rather than a first-round star.

To be fair to Moore, he hasn't exactly had great quarterback play this season. Tait Reynolds has not been good no matter how Swinney tries to spin it. But I will say that Moore's no-show versus Charleston Southern was totally on him; not Reynolds.

The 20-year-old absolutely must rebound against Virginia Tech this weekend, and he needs to close the campaign on a strong note. Not just for his NFL Draft stock, but for his reputation at Clemson.