Former Clemson Tigers Star Lands Jarring NFL Prediction

The Clemson Tigers certainly weren't very good last season, finishing 7-6 and losing to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl. It marked their worst year since 2010, which was Dabo Swinney's second full campaign with the program.

However, Clemson still managed to put a nice handful of players into the 2026 NFL Draft, and that included wide receiver Antonio Williams.

Williams entered 2025 widely viewed as a potential first-round talent, but a disappointing showing caused him to drop to Round 3, where the Washington Commanders snapped him up with the 71st overall pick.

Last season, Williams caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns and wasn't quite as explosive as he was the year prior. But apparently, people still remember just how dynamic the 21-year-old was in 2024.

In fact, ESPN's Ben Solak revealed a shocking prediction for Williams heading into his first professional season, projecting that the speedy weapon will take home the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Solak feels that a weak quarterback and running back class should make room for a receiver to win the honor, and while Williams was the ninth wide out drafted back in April, Solak feels he should see plenty of action this coming fall.

"But Williams has an opportunity that stacks up against many of his early-drafted contemporaries," Solak wrote. "There is hardly any competition in the Commanders' receivers room behind Terry McLaurin. Williams will catch passes from Jayden Daniels, a remarkably better quarterback than players such as KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston (Browns) or Omar Cooper Jr. (Jets) will work with in 2026. Williams still needs to dodge the late-summer addition of a Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs, but his path to high-quality targets is shockingly clear for a third-round pick."

Williams will likely be featured as a slot receiver on the NFL level, given his 5-foot-11, 195-pound frame and his slick route-running ability on short and intermediate throws.

The Greenville, S.C. native arrived at Clemson in 2022 and had a very impressive freshman campaign for the Tigers, snaring 56 balls for 604 yards and four scores — nearly identical numbers to his senior year.

Injuries limited Williams to just five games during his sophomore season, but in 2024, he proceeded to enjoy the most productive showing of his collegiate career, hauling in 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns, the latter of which led the ACC.

Williams will need a healthy Jayden Daniels under center for Washington this coming season, but it would be surprising if Daniels did develop a strong rapport with the former Clemson standout.

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