Former Clemson Star's Reputation Could be on the Line This Year

Former Clemson Tigers star Tee Higgins has certainly been on a roller coaster since entering the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.

Higgins put together three terrific seasons for the Bengals to begin his career, finishing with 908 yards during his rookie campaign and then posting back-to-back 1,000-yard showings in 2021 and 2022.

Since then, however, it has been tough sledding for the former second-round pick.

Higgins has battled injury issues each of the last three years, and while he made his first Pro Bowl last season, he wasn't dominant, catching 59 passes for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games.

Obviously, Higgins is still really good. But for a receiver who signed a four-year, $115 million extension with Cincinnati, you expected a bit more.

Of course, playing behind Ja'Marr Chase will certainly limit your chances. That isn't the issue. But Higgins was No. 2 on the depth chart behind Chase in 2021 and 2022, as well, and that didn't stop him from registering over 1,000 yards both times.

So is Higgins' reputation as a top receiver on the line heading into 2026?

It seems possible, considering that he has not been as impactful as many hoped the past three seasons, and very few mention the Clemson product when discussing the best wide outs in football.

To be fair, much of this also hinges on the health of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who has a very checkered injury history and played in just eight games last season. If he is healthy and plays all 17 games, it would be a game-changer for Higgins.

Higgins needs to stay on the field as well, though.

For example, Burrow did play in every game in 2024, throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. He was terrific. But Higgins was sidelined five contests and, therefore, missed out on the chance to have the best campaign of his NFL tenure.

Injuries certainly aren't Higgins' fault, but they also certainly aren't doing him any favors when it comes to his standing among wide receivers ... especially after he got that contract.

Bottom line? Higgins needs to stay healthy in 2026. So does Burrow. If both things occur, Higgins could very well enjoy his best season yet.

If not? Then the Tigers legend will continue fading into relative obscurity.

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