Clemson’s footprint on the 2026 NFL slate
The NFL has released its 2026 schedule, and among the 272 games eight stand out because they each contain at least seven former Clemson Tigers on the rosters. The presence of so many alumni reflects the program’s recent pipeline to the professional ranks and adds a narrative layer to the upcoming season.
The most densely populated matchup arrives in Week 7 when the Cincinnati Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens. Nine former Tigers are slated to appear, including Nate Wiggins, Trenton Simpson, John Simpson, Adam Randall and K'Von Wallace on the Ravens side, while the Bengals will field Dexter Lawrence, Tee Higgins, Barrett Carter and Myles Murphy. The depth of talent on both sides promises a direct clash of former college teammates.
Other contests also feature notable Clemson alumni. The Baltimore Ravens will meet the Atlanta Falcons, a game that includes A.J. Terrell, Avieon Terrell and Philip Florenzo on the Falcons’ side, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will rely on Trevor Lawrence and Ruke Orhorhoro. The New Orleans Saints, fresh off a four‑year, $52 million deal for running back Travis Etienne, will also host a Ravens team that now includes T.J. Parker and Cade Denhoff.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline involves the Week 9 showdown in Madrid between the Bengals and Falcons. Analysts predict that as many as seven former Tigers could be on the field, highlighted by the Terrell brothers and Florenzo, creating a transatlantic showcase of the school’s recent draft class.
The season will close with a Week 17 rematch between the Ravens and Bengals, a repeat of the earlier meeting that could once again decide playoff positioning. The recurring encounter underscores how the alumni network continues to shape competitive dynamics within the league.